Artist: T.I.
Album: A Year And A Day
LABEL: Grand Hustle

Atlanta has time and time again proven to be home of the hits; but while hits are good, ATL hasn’t given us many memorable hip-hop acts. With the exception of Outkast and Goodie Mob, Atlanta was mainly known for all things Krunk and Bass. This is not to say that a lyrical scene did not exist in the city, but it was not given proper exposure until Clifford “T.I.” Harris took the throne and proclaimed himself king.

The King has left the building, as T.I. is now serving a 1year bid for weapons charges. In a climate where consumers are looking for the next easily digestible, dance accompanied, ring-tone ready radio hit, a year away from the scene can be a death sentence. Not so for Mr. Harris!

In preparation for his departure TIP gave the fans the “A year and A Day” mixtape. The title mixtape can throw people off. Mixtapes are usually poorly produced amalgamations of throwaway music used simply to develop a buzz. However, with the extensive media coverage of T.I.’s last days which included everything from interviews to a reality show, T.I. is not running low on people talking about him. This project is clearly NOT for promo use only! “A Year and A Day” is being pushed as a “Gift” from the rapper to his fans, and the description serves it well.

“A Year and A Day” opens with a short introduction by T.I. and Grand Hustle DJ, MLK. After the brief opening, the listener is treated to the Mary J. Blige assisted, Polow DaDon produced, “Don’t Forget Me.” This is not a Soulja Boi affair! This is an album, complete from top to bottom. The quality music continues throughout with an onslaught of A-list producers and features. As a matter of fact the only misfire on the tape is home team cut, “Show Off” with Young Dro. Even on the bad track, (which sounds like a re-worked Rubberband Man) Dro shines as usual, with vivid wordplay and overall enjoyable delivery that make the song listenable at least once. 

With a quality production, clever songs, A-list producers, A-list guests, this album could easily be on the shelves at Best Buy and merit your hard earned $12.00. Instead it’s on Datpiff for $FREE.99. Download it, listen to it, and pay attention; especially to the final cut. “A Year and A Day” starts off strong and ends the same with “Collect Call” where T.I. gets his Jay-Z on, with an introspective look at his current legal situations while analyzing the fair-weather friends that come and go when life is good. Yes, the king has left the building; but although he is gone he has ensured he will not be forgotten.

Questions or Comments Email me at TerraDru@Gmail.com

Or Follow me at www.Twitter.com/TerraDru