Paper Trail

Paper Trail is the sixth studio album by American rapper T.I., released September 30, 2008, on Grand Hustle Records and Atlantic Records. He began to write songs for the album as he awaited trial for federal weapons and possession charges. Unlike his past albums, he wrote his lyrics down on paper, which he had not done since his debut album, I'm Serious (2001). The album features guest appearances from rappers Jay-Z, Kanye West, Lil Wayne, M.I.A. and Ludacris, along with singers Rihanna, Justin Timberlake, Usher and John Legend, among others. The production on the album was handled by many high-profile record producers, including Nard & B, Rob Knox, Danja, The Runners, Toomp, Drumma Boy, Kanye West, Lil' C, Polow da Don, Jim Jonsin, Just Blaze, J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League, Timbaland, Tha Bizness, Khao, Swizz Beatz, Blac Elvis and many more. The album debuted atop the US Billboard 200, selling 568,000 units and receiving gold certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) in its first week. Critical responses to the album were generally favorable reviews from critics. It spawned eight singles, four of which peaked within the top five of the Billboard Hot 100, with two singles peaking at number one.