Pitchfork

"I just don't want to go to jail, I been too many times," a young T.I. told Third Coast author Roni Sarig after his record deal with Arista ended-- before 2002's Trap Muzik reintroduced the Atlanta rapper as the "Jay-Z of the South". What you know about that? The MC born Clifford Harris has had even more troubles with the law since following up 2006's triumphant King with last year's disappointing T.I. vs. T.I.P., but he doesn't sound very bummed about it on "No Matter What", the first single from his forthcoming Paper Trail. Swagger becomes T.I., and thankfully, it's all over this track: "Even the greatest gotta suffer sometimes," he calmly declares, summery organ swells and laid-back beats underscoring his confidence. Squeaky synths serve as a reminder that Timbaland associate Danjahands produces. All the regal pomp is especially welcome after such T.I. vs. T.I.P. singles as convoluted Wyclef Jean collaboration "You Know What It Is"; even so, with up-and-comers like Lils Wayne and Boosie champing at the bit, it'd be nice to hear the incumbent King of the South avoiding faceless clichés like "Revenge is a dish best served cold"... pretty tepid. So, even with the power-ballad guitars at the end, it's a clear resurgence-- "The King lives on", sure-- but as far as nostalgic Southern hip-hop goes this year, "Royal Flush" still wears the crown.

Stream:> T.I.: "No Matter What"
[from Paper Trail; forthcoming on Grand Hustle/Atlantic]