Studio Album · No. 6
Paper Trail Songwriting Credits by T.I.
Produced by DJ Toomp, Just Blaze, Drumma Boy, Danja, Jim Jonsin, Swizz Beatz, Polow da Don, Justin Timberlake · Engineered by Ray Seay, Elliott Carter, Andrew Dawson
Holds writing credit on 16 of 16 tracks
Authorship Breakdown 16 / 16 documented
Scored across the 16 tracks with documented writers, by whether T.I. carries a lyricist or composer credit.
Share of the 16 tracks where a band member is credited, by role.
By the Numbers
Paper Trail takes its name from T.I. writing his rhymes down on paper for the first time since his debut, a change he made while awaiting sentencing on federal weapons charges. The result is his most pop-facing and self-written album, anchored by back-to-back No. 1 singles "Whatever You Like" and "Live Your Life" with Rihanna. A deep production bench, from DJ Toomp and Just Blaze to Justin Timberlake and Kanye West, frames his writing.
T.I.'s sixth studio album, released September 30, 2008, through Grand Hustle Records and Atlantic Records, released while he was awaiting sentencing on federal weapons charges. It debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and became one of the best-selling rap albums of 2008. "Whatever You Like" and "Live Your Life" featuring Rihanna were simultaneous number-one singles on the Billboard Hot 100, an achievement almost without precedent in modern rap. "Dead and Gone" featuring Justin Timberlake, produced by Justin Timberlake and Rob Knox, became a top-ten hit. "Swagga Like Us" featuring Jay-Z, Kanye West, Lil Wayne, and M.I.A., produced by Kanye West, won the Grammy Award for Best Rap Song. Drumma Boy produced four tracks; DJ Toomp and Just Blaze each contributed two. T.I. wrote all his own lyrics throughout.
Track Listing & Credits 16 tracks
| # | Title | Lyricist(s) | Composer(s) | Producer(s) | Performers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
56 Bars (Intro)
|
Clifford Harris Jr. | Aldrin Davis | DJ Toomp | T.I. |
| 2 |
I'm Illy
|
Clifford Harris Jr. | Charles Spencer | Chuck Diesel | T.I. |
| 3 |
Ready for Whatever
|
Clifford Harris Jr.RockoMonica | Christopher GholsonRodney Hill Jr.Monica Arnold | Drumma Boy | T.I. |
| 4 |
On Top of the World
|
Clifford Harris Jr.B.o.BLudacris | James RosserBrandon RackleyChristopher BridgesBobby Simmons Jr. | Nard & B | T.I.B.o.BLudacris |
| 5 |
Live Your Life
#1
|
Clifford Harris Jr. | Justin SmithMakeba RiddickDan Balan | Just BlazeMakeba Riddick | T.I.Rihanna |
| 6 |
Whatever You Like
#1
|
Clifford Harris Jr. | James SchefferDavid Siegel | Jim Jonsin | T.I. |
| 7 |
No Matter What
|
Clifford Harris Jr. | Nathaniel Hills | Danja | T.I. |
| 8 |
My Life Your Entertainment
|
Clifford Harris Jr. | Christopher GholsonTheron ThomasTimothy ThomasKassim Washington | Drumma Boy | T.I.Usher |
| 9 |
Porn Star
|
Clifford Harris Jr.Ricco Barrino | Kassim WashingtonDarwin Quinn | Lil' C | T.I.Ricco Barrino |
| 10 |
Swing Ya Rag
|
Clifford Harris Jr.Swizz Beatz | Kasseem DeanAvery ChamblissJoseph Alexander | Swizz BeatzThe Individualz | T.I.Swizz Beatz |
| 11 |
What Up, What's Haapnin'
|
Clifford Harris Jr. | Christopher GholsonHarvey Mason Sr. | Drumma Boy | T.I. |
| 12 |
Every Chance I Get
|
Clifford Harris Jr. | Aldrin Davis | DJ Toomp | T.I. |
| 13 |
Swagga Like Us
#5
|
Clifford Harris Jr.Jay-ZKanye WestLil WayneM.I.A. | Shawn CarterKanye WestDwayne Carter Jr.Maya ArulpragasamNicolas HeadonMichael JonesJohn MellorWesley PentzPaul Simonon | Kanye WestMike Caren | T.I.Jay-ZKanye WestLil WayneM.I.A. |
| 14 |
Slide Show
|
Clifford Harris Jr. | Jamal JonesBobby Simmons Jr.Elvis Williams | Polow da DonBlac Elvis | T.I.John Legend |
| 15 |
You Ain't Missin' Nothing
|
Clifford Harris Jr. | Christopher Gholson | Drumma Boy | T.I. |
| 16 |
Dead and Gone
#2
|
Clifford Harris Jr.Justin Timberlake | Justin TimberlakeRobin Tadross | Justin TimberlakeRob Knox | T.I.Justin Timberlake |