By Isaac Siegemund-Broka
Web Entertainment Editor
Georgia hip-hop artist T.I. released his seventh studio album, “No Mercy,” on Dec. 7. This creative 20-track album features a host of producers and rivals 2008’s “Paper Trail.”
An excellent rapper, T.I. supplies impressive and inventive rhymes with perfect flow throughout the album. That said, the lyrics’ focus is often muddled or disappointing, probably because they were written while T.I. was experiencing confusion in and out of prison.
T.I.’s rhymes follow a musical “recipe” recognized by few but used by most. There is a heavy dose of self-glorification—at one point, T.I. asks “could it be possibly second coming of Pac is me?” T.I. also throws in personal and more-worldly commentary, expressing difficulty with his media pop life. Of course, clever rhymes, wordplay and unnecessary vulgarity round off this collection of “ingredients.”
“No Mercy” has undergone much change; it was initially titled “King Uncaged” and it was planned for release on Aug. 17. T.I. announced the album name change on Oct. 25, probably due to the fact that he was no longer going to be “uncaged;” his prison sentence was extended after probation violations.
Each track on “No Mercy” is produced by a different artist, which adds subtle diversity to the album. These established and skilled producers (including The Neptunes, Alex da Kid, Rico Love and Kanye West) play a huge role in the album’s originality and grandeur, giving specific tracks unique vibes while keeping T.I.’s general feel for the album flowing.
Right out of the gate, T.I. lays down R & B-style piano and classic club beats in “Welcome to the World,” which features Kid Cudi and producer Kanye West. Powerful and well-crafted, this track starts the album off strong and represents it well.
“How Life Changed” brings smooth gospel vocals to the table; hit track “That’s All She Wrote” features Eminem and driving guitar. Church bells, gentle piano and distorted guitar add individuality to the standard pop beats and slightly-cliché but well-executed lyrics of “No Mercy.” This new focus of instrumentation brings out T.I.’s development from his “Paper Trail” self and raises his status above other rappers.
The album’s overall message culminates in the final track, “I’m Back.” While T.I. must stay in prison until September of 2011, “No Mercy” definitely represents his triumphant return to the rap world after difficulties with the law and shows a new era of creativity for this prolific artist.
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