"on one hand the number of artists that I've liked so much that I went back to get their old stuff. But I enjoyed Trap Muzik on a whole other level so I bought his album before that to see why this man thought he should've blown up off of it. I don't understand why he didn't either. T.I. is that type of real that you really NEED to know but don't WANT to know. His words of advice and his tales let you know the things that you yearn to know deep down inside but don't feel you're really ready for the answer. I respect him because he's honest without being tacky. Real without trying to prove something. Demands respect without needing a billion pieces of jewelry, some tanktops, and an ice grill to prove it. On top of that, his beats compliment his lyrics instead of bogarting them! I hate it when an artist has extraordinary beats and mediocre lyrics, or elementary lyrics with high-tech beats. (Note: Can you say 'Lil' Flip'?) I see why T.I. showed a picture of him in a Leprachaun suit. Right next to Outkast and Ludacris (who definitely stepped up his game since the 'What's your fantasy' album (note: loved that song, hated the rest of the album), I do believe he's part of the Southern Royalty."
GA Represent folk
Enlightened | Atlanta Georgia | 04/21/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"T.I. is a tight rapper that only people from GA or the South ( in most cases) has heard of. His flow is sick and his country accent rivals that of Bubba Sparxxx. His lyrics are some of the better that come from the South; not quite spectacular but they are tight nonetheless. His beats are impressive though, with everyone from Organized Noize to The Neptunes contributing to this man's success. These producers realize the potential that T.I. has and they lend him some excellent tracks to rhyme over. PA ( Parental Advisory ) and Jazze Pha ( who's had success with Nappy Roots, Jim Crow, Too Short, Ludacris, Eightball & MJG and others ) also give him the star production that most underground rappers never see. He makes many references to many places in ATL like Campbellton Road, Old National, Bankhead, College Park etc. etc. and is really fun to hear him talk about places I know and have been. Props to T.I. for repping it right. T.I. sounds far from an amateur on his debut album I'm Serious. His rhymes as mentioned before are tight as anyone's, and he has a superior dirty south flow. The voice is tight and he can flow fast or slow which means he doesn't use the same flow throughout the cd, which means a less boring listen. The production is off the hinges. The title song featuring Beenie Man, is a definite club banger, laced by the always-tight Neptunes. In fact this is one of the Neptunes best beats and Beenie Man delivers on the chorus. Whatz Yo Name also laced by the Neptunes, crafts a very soothing uncharacteristic beat from them that shows their versatility. T.I. rips up his verses as well. Jazze Pha laces Chooz U which is another one of his trademark futuristic riding beats. T.I. again shows his skills on this track; his storytelling is off the hook. This is one of the best songs on his album. Still Aint Forgave Myself is an ode to his fallen homies and his guilt of being the one that lived. Outstanding. The best song on the album though, has to be the Too Short collaboration Hotel, with PA giving T.I. one of their best beats. The beat is just so relaxing and pimped out. T.I.'s storytelling is at the forefront on this song and he doesn't disappoint. He even outshines the Original Pimp Too Short at his own game, and that is a feat that few others have accomplished.Overall T.I. is lined up to be the next great thing that the South has to offer. Maybe with his next album he will blow up. This cd is competing with Slimm Cutta Calhoun's debut The Skinny for best Southern Debut of 2001. This album is a must for ATLiens or anyone who likes dirty south music."
One Of The Most Underrated Southern Albums Ever
Tourmaline | ATL | 03/10/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I slept on this album four at least six months after it came out and I wished that I had not have because this album is one of the best Southern hip-hop albums that I have ever heard. This album is very solid. T.I. has the skills and charisma that it takes to make an album that you can listen to without skipping any tracks. He switches his flow and subject matter throughout the album, making it even more entertaining. My favorites are Still Ain't Forgave Myself, Dope Boyz, I'm Serious, Do It, Chooz U, Hotel and Heavy Chevyz. It's a shame that this album is widely unrecognized because T.I.'s skills are just as good as some of the "top" emcees and he could really blow if he were promoted and marketed right. I appreciate the way that he reps "Tha A" to the fullest and even if you aren't into Southern hip-hop, you should be able to feel this because the subject matter varies and his skills can't be denied."
You should have this album. If not. GET IT!
Erron Lovett | Fort Lauderdale, FL USA | 09/18/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This album is so f**cking raw. T.I. put it down for the dirty south. I slept on the album for sum months after it came out. I am sorry that I did cause now that I got it, I listen to it almost every day. In this CD, you can see that T.I. is one of the top hip hop artists, not just from the south but period. This Cd is a must have. Trust me. Its sad cause his skills are widely under-rated and after listening to this album you will be puzzled as to why that is so. IF you think other southern rappers like Trick Daddy, Pastor Troy, and JT Money are good. Get yo a** up and get this Album. I aint playin. IM SERIOUS You'll thank me later."