T.I. has often compared himself to 2Pac, and the claim makes sense in that both have touched on enough topics to fill 100 Wikipedia pages. Tip’s 10th proper album, Dime Trap, loudly silences any concerns over what he has left to say. The album functions as a compelling retrospective of T.I.’s life and career while proving he’s far from finished.
Billed as a “TED Talk for hustlers,” Dime Trap‘s thug motivation qualities are evident. “Looking Back” finds the Rubberband Man giving hustlers and civilians some tough love: “Tell me what you gon see when you looking back at yo life/Won’t be worth a damn if you ain’t living it right.” His words could easily come off as judgmental if Tip weren’t so transparent about his old hell-raising habits: “In Vegas, fightin’ police, me and Jeezy and ‘em/Hit the strip, Fatburger, did my thing again/All I do is kick back, blow gas and smile/Reminiscin’ ‘bout the days I was young and wild.” Tip’s front-porch reflections position him as the elder statesman he’s become and imbue Dime Trap with a sense of well-earned wisdom.
Don’t get it twisted; T.I.P. is in full effect. He flows like he’s hitting a speed bag over Bangladesh’s infectious Mariachi beat on “Jefe.” Almost-Grand Hustle signee Meek Mill opens the banger with brashness like “They say we talk about money too much/But maybe they ain’t getting money enough,” to sound more rejuvenated than he’s been since he became a free man. “More and More,” featuring Jeezy, ups the ante with a JazzFeezy and CxMeesen beat that wallops like Ali on Terrell. The cut sounds like it belongs on 2006’s King, but somehow is perfectly suitable in the neo-trap era. Quips like “A hard dick all a bitch got comin’,” prove age hasn’t lessened Tip’s humor and audacity. He and Jeezy are the two seemingly-past-it old guys on the basketball court until one throws up an alley-oop to the other and leaves the college kids with their mouths hanging open.
T.I. has always been well-rounded, and he allows for humility on Dime Trap. “The Amazing Mr. Fuck Up” and “At Least I Know,” which receives a soulful assist from Anderson Paak, find Tip painstakingly detailing his shortcomings in his marriage. Victoria Monet’s subdued, lamenting hook on “The Amazing Mr. Fuck Up” is vulnerable enough to make the hardest gangstas reach for a Kleenex. But it’s Clifford Harris’ casually self-loathing sentiments that have the power to drop hearts into stomachs. “You must work really hard to fuck up this much,” he says to himself, and his words strip Dime Trap of pretense while adding layers of stark humanity.
The Grand Hustle boss has ended his albums with an inspirational joint ever since T.I. Vs. T.I.P., and Dime Trap is no different. “Be There” is fitting in that Tip’s motivational lyricism has been a chin-up to his fans since he was worth a couple hundred grand. However, the song’s airy feel is an inconsistent way to end such a sonically dense album, which would have been better off closing with the defiant “You.”
The album’s ending is a minor gripe, and even the filler knocks on Dime Trap. “What Can I Say” adds little to the project’s depth but remains a head-bobber to those who bask in southern swag. And make no mistake: The composer of “What You Know” is still soaked in charisma. “Big Ol Drip,” finds him narrating his misspent youth over Shawty Redd and Pyro da God’s upbeat, Gospel-tinged keys. The difference is he no longer ruminates with the wild-eyed intensity that makes it seem like he could go back to prison at any moment. He savors the excitement of his past and bows his head in regretful confession. And yet, it’s clear the life no longer holds allure to him as he raps, “Every album I made was a product of pain/You really think you ain’t gon’ change coming far as I came?”
The use of the word “drip” shows how Tip effortlessly balances the slang of modern rap while holding firm to the traditions that got him here. This tightrope walk elevates the album above gem status to be a transcendent affair.
As JAY-Z’s 4:44 raised the bar for grown-man rap, Tip’s latest sets an example for matured vets who still like to get their hands dirty. Dime Trap is dually nostalgic and relevant, and cements T.I. amongst rap’s all-time elite.
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4.7 your joking right lol
ya 4.7 is for lupe fiasco album man got straight black balled
Really good project
Lmao this sit is ran by lames who get paid by these artists.
This Mediocre ass shit 4.7?
Is this serious? How much is TI paying you? I’m a fan of TI and have been for years, but this is such a bad album. Too much filler, not enough content. I really wanted to like this but I just can’t. I’m genuinely shocked at this review. It’s a 3/5 at BEST!
first and foremost, respect to the OG, TIP. He’s one of the realest of all times but umm…YALL ARE HIGH AF!!!! WTF IS WRONG WIT YALL??? THIS AINT NO DAMN 4.7/5. FOH YALL KNOW DAMN WELL IF TIP WAS OUT HERE WILDIN LIKE KANYE OR HAD A FUCKED UP RELATIONSHIP WITH THE INDUSTRY LIKE LUPE, THIS SCORE WOULD BE LOWER. THIS IS WHY NO ONE TAKES THIS SHITTY ASS WEBSITE SERIOUS. WE HAVE DUMBASS TROLLS FLOODING IN THE COMMENT SECTION WITH NO VALID OR COMPREHENSIBLE COMMENTARY ON THE MUSIC AND WE’RE STUCK WITH BIASED EDITORS ON EACH AND EVERY ARTICLE. YALL ON THE SAME LEVEL AS XXL AND PITCHFORK when it comes to reviewing music. NO CREDIBILITY OR RESPECT. PEACE.
I feel like the album has some very dope tracks, and some very forgettable tracks on it. But TIP is a legend, so I give it a 4/5 instead of a 3/5.
But I do have a question: On songs like Light Day, What More Can I Say and Big OL Drip, T.I. has a clear understable voice. On the other hand, on Laugh At Em, Looking Back and You, it feels like the beat overshadows T.I.s voice, making it kinda hard listening to the lyrics. Anyone with the same listening experience? Or is just me and my crappy ears?
Just to be sure, I did two things before writing this post. I listened to some of Tip’s best work (i.e. Trap Muzik, King) and I kept an open mind. I do like this album, as it is one of T.I.’s better releases but a 4.7 suggests (to me) that it’s his best work, nevermind close to a classic. I do NOT think this is better than Trap Muzik or King (maybe not even Paper Trail), so I am just lost on this review and rating. This is a 3.8 (4 at best) album.
4.7? 4.7? What a joke! U gave mbdtf 4.5. You’re on point now and then like with the 4.4 for jay-z’s 4:44 but when you’re off you’re way off. This is ridiculous! I won’t even start with the albums that r better than this that u gave shit reviews. I would even go as far as saying the carter v was better than this album (by the way what’s up with that short ass review?). Smh!
Dime Trap not even top 5 T.I’s albums.
2.5/5
That’s what I was trying to post, yet my comment just “disappeared”. I wonder if this Aaron guy is salty because he has two back to back terrible reviews (The other being Lupe’s Drogas Wave) but keep deleting and I’ll keep reposting 🙂
That’s what I was trying to post, yet my comment just “disappeared”. I wonder if this Aaron guy is salty because he has two back to back terrible reviews (The other being Lupe’s Drogas Wave) but keep deleting and I’ll keep reposting 🙂 lol
That’s what I was trying to post, yet my comment just “disappeared”. I wonder if this Aaron guy is salty because he has two back to back terrible reviews (The other being Lupe’s Drogas Wave) but keep deleting and I’ll keep reposting 🙂
Great album! It’s one of my favorite of his.
For me, it’s my rap album of the year and top 2 in his discography right next to his King album.
Different from all these new guys…album message and concept dope
An album for grown ups. It’s about time hop hop starts recognizing and appreciating the lane older artists need to be in rather than tossing them aside cause they don’t sound like they did 20 yrs ago. This album is straight fire from that perspective. Glad to see a review of this nature.
Album of the year
One of the best albums of 2018. T.I. put together a incredible album Top 5 T.I. album Grown man music.
Two things;
1. He should not compare himself to Pac. Whole different level of skill.
2. He’s doing that sing songy flow that these new guys are doing, which sounds horrible.
T.i.p. The police
album is fire!
To me this is T.I’s best album. And he has some classics.
LMAO 4.7?? Talk about tip-riding.. This ain’t even in his top 3 and none of his top 3 are 4.7….
Now you guys ev3n delete OUR opinions of albums? What a sad state this website has become.. Talk about trying to put out a controlled message.. Might as well move to Cuba..
I thought the album was pretty good. I like it because his Perspective on Trap Music is so much better then other so called trap rapper. With that said 4.7 is to high. More like a 4.0 or 4.1 no higher. Other albums got lower ratings then this and that ridiculous. Drogas Wave and Nasir albums are 4.7 projects. This was a good album but not a classic. 4.7 is dam near classic albums. Daytona still album of the year. Maybe Drogas Wave. OPinons!
more like a solid 2 and nasir 2.5. u must be a kid
no. dime trap 1/5 and nasir 2/5. he must be a kid and a white one if he think daytona best album.
I’m a white boy who’s a kid that likes Nasir(a mature album about black empowerment). Yea that makes sense. You internet nerds/trolls have to do better then that. So I’m a white kid because I think Daytona(or Drogas Wave remember I said that) is AOTY. Dam you trolls get dumber and dumber each post.
I’m a white boy who happens to be a kid because I love the Nasir(A mature album about black empowerment. Man you internet nerds/trolls get dumber and dumber by the day.
4.7 ? omg don’t let this guy write another review
TI is a nobody in 2018
ugly cover
4.7… was not expecting that. Friend played me The Amazing Mr. Fuck Up in his car and I was not feeling it. But Jefe is dope as fuck. Will give the album a listen, as TI is one of my favourite southern rappers.
THIS COVER LOOKS LIKE JADA’S TOP 5 ALBUM.
Never really fucked with T.I. at all. Always thought he was pretty overrated but in the age of mumble rap, tight ass pants, and colorful hair, for me T.I. is definitely worth giving a listen too. The album is fire too, might be at least his second best album.
I told yall TI is wack
t.i lost his flow and head he thinks he can promote his album on kanye’s back
So many Young people are so ignorant don’t listen and just hate because it’s T.I. and not one of the Migos or some other newer rapper. Open you ears eyes and mind. This isn’t bad and I’m from NY not a huge T.I. fan
As someone from the “Newer Generation”, I disagree entirely with what youre saying. TI honestly did drop off, like most other rappers from his generation and his wave. Dont try saying I just think this because I am part of the new wave, bc I would much rather listen to joey badass and cozz and actual lyrical rappers over mumble shit any day
No offense but u generation cats don’t know shit about Rap music. I don’t care who you prefer to listen to. Y’all brain washed to garbage. You will never know what good music sounds like.
Agreed! They have ZERO clue about the “come up” of rappers, such as TIP, who didn’t have internet as exposure. Those who actually had to be discovered using other methods than the hit of a button. It’s ignorant and quite frankly disrespectful to artists, TIP being one of the main, who opened the doors to this new generation Trap Music and Rappers.
It’s a flick though joint. Play one song. Flick through 6.
Amazing musical journey!!! T.I. flow is one you can never get tired of. The production was amazing!!! The way he was so honest and vulnerable with his life and journey was worth every minute!!! Like he said….he did this album for his true day 1 fans….the ones that were around when “I’m Serious” and “Trap Musiz” was first released and actually bought the cd!!! I truly appreciate Dime Trap!!! Great job Tip!!!
T.I. just knows how to make an album pop. He’s doing his own thing without following trends and it still sounds fresh.
Pure adult Hip-hop… And being slept on smh
Seasons intro was fucking fire but other than that everything else was wack and trash. Def a disappointment
Be there is the best song I have listened this year. T.I always makes lot of sense in his music.. .best rapper ever
This was a disappointing album for me after seeing that big score you gave it and I’ve been a T.i fan for years, there wasn’t any stand out hits for me besides At Least I Know, it’s refreshing to hear the OG lyrics he definitely spits with wisdom, but he’s never been and never will be special lyrically..
I loved this album shawty. T.I. spits truth to power. I loved every track. Its raelly a 4.5/5 for me but imma round it shawty. T.I. is the best dirty south rapper easily.
Well it’s neither a 1/5 nor the best album of T.I.
Compared to the best T.I. releases this one is mediocre imo, so I can partly understand the hate & disappointment from some