T.I.’s politically charged Us or Else was released in September, and the six-track EP stands as one of the most potent releases of 2016. The Grand Hustle boss surprised fans by beefing it up into a 15-track album titled Us Or Else: Letter to the System. Tip adds a personal touch to the militant urgency infused throughout, ensuring this album is his most well-rounded in years.
The anti-establishment spirit of the EP is layered by T.I.’s views on religion. Police brutality, systemic racism and social responsibility are again on Tip’s mind, but so are his skepticism of organized religion while keeping a steadfast belief in Jesus Christ. As on the EP, his conviction drives the album’s spirit, making this album’s political cuts more than just obligatory objections to racism and injustice. “I’m a drop a line right here/Either I’m a be the dream Martin Luther King had or a nightmare,” he memorably rhymes on the country bouncin’ “Ah No No.” Even when he’s rapping about an issue that’s been well tread, such as the absurdity of Columbus Day on “I Believe,” Tip finds an intriguing way to get his point across: “What about Capone and Doc Holliday/Lucky Luciano John Gotti day/Bumpy Johnson and a Larry Hoover day/Happy Meech day, Happy Tookie day, Happy Hitler day, sound stupid, eh?” Such quips make the man’s two cents worth hearing.
It’s not all about the struggle, though. Some of the album’s best moments are when the Rubber Band Man emerges as a hood survivor. He revisits his dope dealing days on “Writer,” which features a stellar verse from B.o.B, and paints a picture of Magic City nights on “Picture Me Mobbin.” These joints add depth and personality to the album that the EP lacked.
T.I.’s past few albums have been plagued with a lack of musical cohesion, but Letter to the System manages to keep a congruent sound throughout thanks a thematic focus and wisely chosen collaborators. The bass-heavy “Ah No No” showcases T.I.’s ability to kick it over a modern trap beat. The steel-toed drums and piano keys ensure “War Zone” remains a sonic standout. And “Pain” is a relentless thumper that manages to remain smooth thanks to London Jae’s vocals. He is similarly silky on “Letter to the System,” which features a strong 16 from Translee. Killer Mike’s vicious turn on “40 Acres” remains intact, and it’s still blistering.
That the six songs from the EP are in the mix here does not damper their excellence or contribution to the overall album. However, they would have had more of an initial impact had they been rolled out all at once with the album. In time, this probably won’t matter. T.I. is not the first rapper to build off of previously released material. It helps that the rest of the album, save for the preachy “Lazy,” is so strong. And while the EP’s “Black Man,” and “War Zone,” remain two of the album’s best cuts, they are matched by “Letter to the System” and “Pain.” In any case, switching up the sequencing and ending with “I Swear” would have been more punctual for such a potent album.
Regardless, Us Or Else: Letter to the System equates in not only one of the year’s strongest full-length projects but in Tip’s discography as well. It’s a suitable blend of his personal views to package aware commentary of our turbulent times in the United States in 2016.
Y’all way too high, this shit is straight garbage except a couple of toleratable songs, T.I. was never even that good to begin with.
Tip is a legend!!!!!!!
Tip WAS a legend.
Tip was never good to begin with????? You sound dumb.
*tolerable
More Negrocrat victimology and BLM c00ning. What more do you expect from this mediocre, irrelevant leftist cuck?
The average HHDXer will not have the intelligence to understand your comment other than a few single syllable words, so here come the ignorant replies. Agree btw.
Lol you mad bro?
CHECK YO TASTY TREAT CUPCAKE SUGARY SWEET ASS NUTS! TIP IS KICKING KNOWLEDGE ON THIS ALBUM!
I’m pretty stoked about how T.I.P is on this level right now. All lives matter!!
Fuck TI. I guess its “Black lives matter” (except for the niggas he snitched on )
More Clinton propaganda from HHDX. Drop your agenda.
T. I. has made the ATL what it is today!!! He’s not only a rapper but an actor AND entrepreneur!!! AND……At 36/37 he is THE “KING OF THE SOUTH”!! There are ALWAYS gonna be haters!! Get over yourselves! T. I. RULES❣️❣️❣️
A really bad actor and an okay entrepreneur…..
I’m only writing something because I’m being told to.
Finally somebody is dropping some bars on politics. I appreciate that.
Lots of racists here downplaying the album. The African American community needs social commentary like this in these times of systematic racism. TI has come out with a powerful project to create awareness.
Black Lives Matter…but I guess not the ones he’s been selling drugs to for years. Hypocrite! He’s killing “Us.”
I can appreciate the social commentary from T.I lately and for collaborating with some real MCs like Translee and Killa Mike.. Be Healthy y’all
T.I.P is hitting real issues in the mouth while the rest of u sit and talk shit. One up to the King and real men out there livin this shit.
5 stars to even out the BS ratings. This album is dope DX are on the money with this review.
But it was all me me me when it was snitching time, I appreciate growth like most people but the code says don’t tolerate a snitch or a hypocrite
Screw tidal. Thanks for slapping your true fans in the face
Sometimes having a white president again will make black people do crazy things
I love how the call him T dot like he some lyrical rapper now lol T.I.P always been wack! Lil midget tryin to be a thug shit embarrasing thats why I can never respect the A.T.L ya’ll went from Outkast and Goodie to this and Bow Wow shits sad ya’ll lol
Your trash he better then half the rapper today hes realer then yo soft ass
your buggin Tip been had bars since day 1. guess u aint ever pressed play on any of this dudes catalog.
His a fraud
The best project of the year! One with substance and truth! This will be remembered years to come!
I love it, he speaks nothing but truth
His best album yet
The “or else” would be all of those automatic weapons and silencers you were arrested for T.I.? I’m sure those weren’t intended to be used on your own kind right, because BLACKLIVESMATTER? LOL. What a hypocritical clown. Rubber band man who talks about punching dope is helping push his own straight in to prison.
if you were an actual fan you would know he has not made a song with that kind of substance in awhile. He is going in another direction. Everybody has a past they are ashamed of so get over yourself.
Nobody will b buying this shit..i love ts music but all the people that buy it r white …respect …mr t.i.p
Might be a top 3 album for TIP. The album is full of substance and creativity. His lyricism is sharper than ever here
Reading these comments makes me realize how ignorant ppl really are… Ppl judging T.I. for his past, but elected Donald ‘F*ck the Minorities’ Trump?!? Idiots………
I’d like to support anyone who’s supporting #BLM. BUT THIS NIGGA SIGNED THE FEMALE VANILLA ICE!!!!
KXNG Crooked’s Good Vs.Evil is better..
He also dropped her too.
just nice…
lovely…
T. I. P for the TOP
I’m not feeling it
I miss the old T.I.
Garbage.
Y’all way too high, this shit is straight garbage except a couple of tolerable songs, T.I. was never even that good to begin with.
Community ratings are tripping for real. This album is a turning point for his career and maturity. And his bars were on point on several songs. 40 Acres and Black Man still bang the hardest.