Online only: T.I. vs. T.I.P take 2: C

T.I. is a solid MC, strong enough to take on the challenge of great beats without interfering, letting the music take precedence to create party-friendly hits. That's what made the thought of this concept album about the struggle between his street and business personas so intriguing. If done correctly, it could've shown a completely different side of T.I. and cemented his status as the King of the South. Sadly, T.I.Vs.T.I.P. is weak in execution and the King might be looking at a short reign. \n The album kicks off with "Big Shit Poppin'" a Mannie Fresh-produced single with an epic beat and a catchy hook. The lyrics are pedestrian, typical braggadocio, but are recited fiercely to mask some of their weakness. This is a perfect track to let the listeners in and get them hyped for more. However, the "more" never comes. Every song follows this exact format: music too powerful for its own good, lyrics deliberately crafted with no creativity, and short, memorable hooks ready for the club. This could mean an incredible amount of singles, (by my count there could be 11) but makes for a boring album experience. Since the album is in 5th gear the entire time, there is no where to go when it needs a boost.\n T.I. is also sorely lacking confidence on Vs.T.I.P.. All of his vocals are triple-tracked to give a false sense of strength, he recites his lyrics way too fast, and he rarely enunciates. I've taken Speech, and this is a textbook case of a man who is unsure of his speaking ability. Producers know this too, and his vocals are sent to the back of the mix.\n The content is nothing new either. Songs like "Tell 'Em I Said That" rehash the clichéd theme of having more street credibility than other rappers. But in 2007, it's not about who's the most real, it's about who's the most surreal. (Don't believe me? Go ask Ghostface, Clipse, Andre 3000, Cam'ron, or the Martian himself, Lil' Wayne.) This may have worked in 2004, but not anymore. In other old news, Jay-Z pops up on "Watch What You Say To Me" to reassure us that he's as gassed as Barry Bonds without steroids, and that 30 is in fact the new 70. Also in the washed up department, Nelly drops by and shockingly outshines T.I. on "Show It To Me". \n This album is a step back from 2006's King. T.I. has nothing to say, and while it sounds okay, it's like he's practicing layups when everyone else is dunking. And since he only gave it an afterthought, so will I: T.I. and T.I.P. are not different at all, both are drug-dealing, overpaid, mediocre MCs and no matter which one is performing the songs, they both sound the same.