The King is Back

Atlanta’s self proclaimed King of South will be releasing his 7^th studio album on this coming Tuesday .  About a week early, the full album leaked on the internet and I was able to get a listen.  Entitled, No Mercy (changed from King Uncaged), the record is meant to be the third in a trilogy that included T.I. vs T.I.P. and Paper Trail.  Featuring the likes of Eminem, Drake, Christina Aguilera and the Neptunes, the album sports the classic southern swag we have all grown to love from Mr. Clifford Joseph Harris.  There are a few throw away tracks on the album, but right away I picked out four stand out songs after my  second listen through:

Track 5: That’s All She Wrote Ft. Eminem

Track 6: No Mercy Ft. The-Dream

Track 12: Poppin Bottles Ft. Drake – pay special attention to the Drakes verse

Track 14: Castle Walls ft Christina Aguilera – hook might be a little corny but I like the songs overall feel.

A noticeable difference in darkness between No Mercy and Paper Trail is evident, most likely due to T.I.’s recent release from prison on drug charges (which he has gotten in trouble for again).  While Paper Trail featured club banger after club banger, No mercy takes a darker turn.  Call it a downgrade on the energy and an upgrade on the lyricism.  I’ve been following T.I. for quite some time now, and looking all the way back to King, he has had quite the career.  

Have the skills fallen off?  Not really, although the production could have been better.  At times some of the beats feel repetitive and not as catchy as I would like.  Other than that, my gripes are limited so for now, the King is Back.  The south is definitely due for an ignition, and this is sure to start it up.  Be on the lookout for Wayne’s return to the limelight, coming straight out of Louisiana to combust hip hop heads everywhere with The Carter 4

Also,

Here is another great video that I found the other day through the usual mediums.  Love the music that goes with it as well.