T.I. Vs T.I.P.

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After the incredible year T.I. had in 2006 what is left to accomplish? Plenty according to the King of The South and after numerous award nominations that included two Grammy & five Billboard Awards wins he is thirsting for more. T.I. vs T.I.P. is a concept album that takes the listener through the inner struggle of the hip-hop icon. T.I. is the smooth, sophisticated, ladies man who has handled his business as an artist and businessman. T.I. is responsible for the crossover and more female friendly tracks. T.I.P. is the rebel known to stir things up and handle his business on the streets. He is the street hero. Together both personalities craft a brilliant album of ultimate struggle between the personalities. The album features production by Mannie Fresh, Scott Storch, Smash Factory, Danja, Wyclef Jean & The Runners along with special appearances from Akon, Nelly, Lil Wayne and more. Critics say this album is destined to be a hip hop classic. 2006 best selling hip-hop act is back with T.I. vs T.I.P. Like T.I.P. says on the lead single "Big Things Poppin' [Do It]" "Idominated 06' now I'm comin' right back". .com ---- T.I. may take alter-egotism to new heights on T.I. vs. T.I.P., an album that's essentially a spinoff of a song (Trap Muzik's psychologically charged "T.I. vs. T.I.P."), but few artists have been known to spin something so compelling out of a concept so silly. T.I.P. is the hoodie-wearing hustler we get to know in the first part of this exceptionally long disc--he curses and boasts behind the beats with a lazy bravado that manages to be both slouchy and sharp (check out "Da Dopeman," "Watch What You Say" featuring a fired-up Jay-Z, and "You Know What It is," with Wyclef), and T.I. is the right-minded tycoon-type who takes over for a while in act two. As smooth an operator as T.I. is--"Show It to Me," featuring Nelly, finds its groove and never lets up--he's more compelling in the grittier parts of the disc, including a four-song final act in which the two halves of his deeply divided personality square off. "Respect This Hustle," the M.C. commands on the next-to-last track; detractors will try not to, citing the slightness of his concept. T.I. is at the top of his game, though, and he makes it heard. --Tammy La Gorce