Hard times may have turned T.I. into a better rapper. The Atlanta star endured far worse things last year than the lukewarm reviews for his album "T.I. vs. T.I.P." He split with his girlfriend, who later miscarried their baby (they're back together and just had a son). He was involved in several criminal incidents, the results of which will find him facing a year in jail, probably later this year. But first, of course, he has to rap about it all. "No Matter What," the first single from his Aug. 12 album "Paper Trail," is a fascinating listen for both good and bad reasons. The slow, Danja-produced beat is infectious, and the lyrics near Jay-Z-level ("God will take you through hell just to get you to heaven"). On the other hand, T.I. sounds less than remorseful or apologetic -- the world is out to get him, and all that. At least we'll go out and get his album.
CHRIS RIEMENSCHNEIDER
