Lyrics tell fans to be thankful for what they have (“Live Your Life”), and warn that fame can warp our sense of right and wrong (“My Life Your Entertainment”). “No Matter What” preaches perseverance and trust in God during trials, noting “[The] worst thing you can do is panic.”
Of the disc’s two dozen f-words, several are preceded by “mother,” and others are used in a sexual context. Racial and misogynist slang pops up, as do s— and g–d–n. Multiple tracks describe intercourse and oral sex in graphic fashion (“Swing Ya Rag,” “Whatever You Like,” “Every Chance I Get,” “I’m Illy,” “My Life Your Entertainment”). Yet another invites a woman to unshackle the “Porn Star” within. Guest rapper Lil Wayne spews the gangsta threat “[I’ll] write your name on the bullet, make you feel special.” Tequila is the beverage of choice. Artists talk of smoking marijuana and selling cocaine. T.I. also brags about his greatness (“I’m Illy”) and prepares to dish out vengeance against a rival (“No Matter What”).
Having pled guilty to federal weapons charges, Clifford Joseph Harris Jr. (aka T.I.) will begin a year-long jail sentence in 2009. Will it simply provide added street cred and fresh material for another raunchy, profane CD? Time will tell. For now, it’s enough to discourage teens from following his Paper Trail.
After serving as an associate editor at NavPress’ Discipleship Journal and consulting editor for Current Thoughts and Trends, Adam now oversees the editing and publishing of Plugged In’s reviews as the site’s director. He and his wife, Jennifer, have three children. In their free time, the Holzes enjoy playing games, a variety of musical instruments, swimming and … watching movies.
