Dime Trap
{{use mdy dates|date=October 2018}}
{{Infobox album
| name = Dime Trap
| type = studio
| artist = T.I.
| cover = Ti-dime-trap.jpg
| alt =
| released = October 5, 2018
| recorded = 2015–2018
| studio =
| genre = {{hlist|Hip hop|trap}}
| length = 60:42
| label = {{hlist|Grand Hustle|Epic}}
| producer =
- Avedon
- Bangladesh
- Cardiak
- CxMeesen
- David Banner
- Dave-O
- Eric G
- FVCES
- G.Bliz
- Jazzfeezy
- JohnnyBoy
- Just Blaze
- King Vay
- London on da Track
- VZNARE
- Messiah
- Mike & Keys
- MyGuyMars
- Pyro da God
- Scott Storch
- Shawty Redd
- Swizz Beatz
- TBHits
- THX
| prev_title = Us or Else: Letter to the System
| prev_year = 2016
| next_title = The L.I.B.R.A.
| next_year = 2020
| misc = {{Singles
| name = Dime Trap
| type = studio
| single1 = Jefe
| single1date = September 9, 2018
| single2 = Wraith
| single2date = September 9, 2018
| single3 = The Weekend
| single3date = September 27, 2018
}}
}}
Dime Trap is the tenth studio album by American rapper T.I. It was released on October 5, 2018, by Grand Hustle Records and Epic Records. The album was initially announced in 2014 and underwent several working titles, namely The Return and Trap's Open. It serves as the second installment in a trilogy that was preceded by his ninth album Paperwork, and was later followed by his eleventh The L.I.B.R.A. Throughout the album's production, T.I. worked on several other projects as well, including Da' Nic (2015), Bankroll Mafia (2016), Us or Else: Letter to the System (2016) and We Want Smoke (2017).
The album features guest appearances from Yo Gotti, Teyana Taylor, Jeezy, Meek Mill, Young Thug, YFN Lucci, Anderson .Paak, Victoria Monét, Watch the Duck, Sam Hook and London Jae. Dime Trap also contains narration from American comedian Dave Chappelle. The production was handled by high-profile record producers such as Swizz Beatz, Scott Storch, Bangladesh, Cardiak and David Banner, among others.{{cite web|url=http://thesource.com/2018/09/28/ti-the-dime-trap/|title=T.I. Reveals 'The Dime Trap' Tracklist, Drops 'The Weekend' with Young Thug|date=28 September 2018|website=Thesource.com|access-date=4 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181001100710/http://thesource.com/2018/09/28/ti-the-dime-trap/|archive-date=October 1, 2018|url-status=live}} The album was supported by three singles "Jefe", "Wraith" and "The Weekend".
Background
Upon signing a recording contract with Columbia Records and releasing his ninth album Paperwork in October 2014, T.I. revealed that Paperwork is part of a trilogy and would be followed up with The Return and Love & Liability.{{cite web|url=http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/ti-speaks-on-next-two-albums-the-return-and-love-and-liability-news.12585.html|title=T.I. Speaks On Next Two Albums, "The Return" & "Love & Liability"|website=Hotnewhiphop.com|date=October 24, 2014|access-date=4 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150913171433/http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/ti-speaks-on-next-two-albums-the-return-and-love-and-liability-news.12585.html|archive-date=September 13, 2015|url-status=live}} During an interview with Life+Times, T.I. said the next album, or rather, "second act" is The Return, and following that, the "third act" is called Love & Liability. According to T.I. the former is going to be reminiscent of his second album Trap Muzik (2003), while the latter is going to be "like a gangster version of 808s & Heartbreak".{{cite web|url=http://hiphopdx.com/news/id.31166/title.t-i-reveals-plans-to-release-gangster-version-of-kanye-west-s-808s-heartbreak-|title=T.I. Reveals Plans To Release "Gangster Version" Of Kanye West's "808s & Heartbreak"|website=Hiphopdx.com|date=October 24, 2014|access-date=4 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150814151451/http://hiphopdx.com/news/id.31166/title.t-i-reveals-plans-to-release-gangster-version-of-kanye-west-s-808s-heartbreak-|archive-date=August 14, 2015|url-status=live}}
T.I. had stated: "I kind of divided them into concepts," referring to the over 200 songs he recorded during the Paperwork sessions. "Conceptually, if you listen to Paperwork all the way down, sonically it's cohesive. You can tell it goes together. It has a theme, a feel, a vibe. I got a whole album full of the [ trap music sound ] coming up next called The Return. That album is already done."{{cite web|url=http://allhiphop.com/2014/10/23/t-i-next-albums-the-return-love-and-liability-the-breakfast-club/|title=T.I. Reveals Musical Direction Of Next Albums "The Return" & "Love & Liability"|website=AllHipHop.com|date=October 23, 2014|access-date=4 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150825035054/http://allhiphop.com/2014/10/23/t-i-next-albums-the-return-love-and-liability-the-breakfast-club/|archive-date=August 25, 2015|url-status=live}} On March 16, 2015, T.I. confirmed The Return had been completed.{{cite web|url=http://news.hiphopearly.com/t-says-second-album-paperwork-trilogy/|title=T.I. Says The Second Album In His 'Paperwork' Trilogy Is Done|website=Hiphopearly.com|access-date=4 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150723052408/http://news.hiphopearly.com/t-says-second-album-paperwork-trilogy/|archive-date=July 23, 2015|url-status=live}} On March 24, 2015, T.I. announced he re-titled the sequel to Paperwork, from The Return to Trap's Open. When pressed for an explanation of the title's meaning, T.I. explained that the album will be "unapologetically gangsta" and boast a "trap sound".{{cite web|url=http://radio.com/2015/03/24/t-i-traps-open-new-album/|title=Radio.com|website=Radio.com|access-date=4 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150813033443/http://radio.com/2015/03/24/t-i-traps-open-new-album/|archive-date=August 13, 2015|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://theboombox.com/ti-traps-open-album/|title=T.I. Announces New Album 'Trap's Open'|website=The Boombox|date=March 24, 2015 |access-date=4 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150724050342/http://theboombox.com/ti-traps-open-album/|archive-date=July 24, 2015|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.rap-up.com/2015/03/24/ti-gets-unapologetically-gangsta-on-new-album-traps-open/|title=T.I. Gets 'Unapologetically Gangsta' on New Album 'Trap's Open'|website=Rap-up.com|date=March 24, 2015 |access-date=4 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150731072000/http://www.rap-up.com/2015/03/24/ti-gets-unapologetically-gangsta-on-new-album-traps-open/|archive-date=July 31, 2015|url-status=live}}
T.I. would later give the album a new title in June 2015, when he rechristened it The Dime Trap.{{cite web|url=http://hiphopdx.com/news/id.34712/title.t-i-changes-title-of-next-album-to-the-dime-trap|title=T.I. Changes Title Of Next Album To "The Dime Trap"|website=Hiphopdx.com|date=July 19, 2015|access-date=4 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150723040848/http://hiphopdx.com/news/id.34712/title.t-i-changes-title-of-next-album-to-the-dime-trap|archive-date=July 23, 2015|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.complex.com/music/2015/07/tip-tenth-album-update-the-dime-trap|title=T.I. Changes the Title of His Forthcoming Tenth Album to 'The Dime Trap'|website=Complex|access-date=4 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150722000830/http://www.complex.com/music/2015/07/tip-tenth-album-update-the-dime-trap|archive-date=July 22, 2015|url-status=live}} During an interview with MovieWeb, T.I. was asked about his music career and his upcoming album: "My tenth album, The Dime Trap, I'm working on it. I just released the first teaser from it yesterday and it's going to be an extension or a continuation of the vibe from Trap Muzik. I feel like, when you've done hits like "Whatever You Like" and "Dead and Gone," when you do those mainstream kind of "Blurred Lines"-ish kind of records, you don't go and try to top "Blurred Lines." You just come to a whole new element, bring it back down and build the process back over again. I'm breaking it all down, back to the element of where my music first began to interest people, and build it all over again"{{cite web|url=http://www.inflexwetrust.com/2015/07/19/t-i-changes-the-title-of-his-upcoming-tenth-album-to-the-dime-trap/|title=T.I Changes The Title Of His Upcoming Tenth Album To "The Dime Trap" – In Flex We Trust|date=19 July 2015|website=Inflexwetrust.com|access-date=4 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305174947/http://www.inflexwetrust.com/2015/07/19/t-i-changes-the-title-of-his-upcoming-tenth-album-to-the-dime-trap/|archive-date=March 5, 2016|url-status=live}} He also added that "It is a lot more urban, a lot more edgy, a lot more unapologetically ghetto than Paperwork".{{cite web|url=http://www.stacksmag.net/2015/07/t-i-talks-ant-man-the-dime-trap-album.html|title=T.I. Talks Ant-Man + Preps 'The Dime Trap' Album - STACKS Magazine|date=15 July 2015|website=Stacksmag.cnet|access-date=4 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924105432/http://www.stacksmag.net/2015/07/t-i-talks-ant-man-the-dime-trap-album.html|archive-date=September 24, 2015|url-status=live}} On September 11, 2015, T.I. revealed Dime Trap would contain 10 songs.{{cite web|url=http://www.audibletreats.com/tip_pr1/|title=T.I. Releases Surprise EP, Da' Nic|date=11 September 2015|website=Audibletreats.com|access-date=4 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150911170326/http://www.audibletreats.com/tip_pr1/|archive-date=September 11, 2015|url-status=live}}
{{Quote box
|quote = The first record Trap Muzik, it was about the experiences I endured and the lifestyle before I made it in the music industry. With Dime Trap, this is the evolution of trap music and what I learned and some of the epiphanies along the way. I'll talk about the things that really matter to me now.|source = — T.I. in a September 2018 interview with Billboard.
|quoted = true
|bgcolor = #FFFFF0
|salign = center
|align = left
|width = 40%
|border = 1px
|fontsize = 90%
}}
On September 18, 2015, T.I. announced his departure from Columbia Records. In an interview with HitsDailyDouble.com, he addressed his situation: "Having just exited my deal at Columbia, I was a rogue artist, busting creativity, just waiting to put music in the marketplace, so while I'm sorting out my next situation, I'm blessed enough to be able to control my destiny and put music out as quickly as I want to, and was able to release a Tip album, which I had wanted to do for a long time."{{cite web|url=http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/ti-no-longer-with-columbia-records-news.17664.html|title=T.I. No Longer With Columbia Records|website=Hotnewhiphop.com|date=September 18, 2015|access-date=4 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150925080629/http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/ti-no-longer-with-columbia-records-news.17664.html|archive-date=September 25, 2015|url-status=live}}{{Cite web |url=http://www.cviddytv.com/music/hip-hop/t-i-is-no-longer-signed-to-colombia-records/ |title=T.I. Is No Longer Signed to Columbia Records - CViddyTV.comCViddyTV.com |access-date=September 25, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150925235742/http://www.cviddytv.com/music/hip-hop/t-i-is-no-longer-signed-to-colombia-records/ |archive-date=September 25, 2015 |url-status=usurped }}{{Cite web |url=http://hypefreshmag.com/t-i-announces-departure-from-columbia-records/ |title=T.I. Announces Departure from Columbia Records |access-date=September 25, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150925031406/http://hypefreshmag.com/t-i-announces-departure-from-columbia-records/ |archive-date=September 25, 2015 |url-status=dead }} On September 22, 2015, in an interview with HotNewHipHop.com, T.I. explained the reasoning behind releasing the project under his alternative pseudonym, saying although it's the second installment to his trilogy, it will be his first TIP album.{{cite web|url=http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/ti-on-returning-to-tip-moniker-and-the-unapologetic-trap-of-his-upcoming-lp-new-video.35403.html|title=T.I. On Returning To T.I.P. Moniker & The "Unapologetic Trap" Of His Upcoming LP|website=Hotnewhiphop.com|date=September 22, 2015|access-date=4 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150925210410/http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/ti-on-returning-to-tip-moniker-and-the-unapologetic-trap-of-his-upcoming-lp-new-video.35403.html|archive-date=September 25, 2015|url-status=live}}
On February 22, 2016, before his "pop-up performance" at Greenbriar Mall in his hometown of Atlanta, T.I. announced he signed a distribution deal with fellow American rapper Jay-Z's Roc Nation for Dime Trap. T.I. also revealed he is one of the new co-owners of online streaming service, Tidal.{{cite web|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/6882917/ti-signs-roc-nation-owner-tidal|title=T.I. Signs Distribution Deal With Roc Nation, Becomes Latest Co-Owner of Tidal|website=Billboard.com|access-date=4 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180702015012/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/6882917/ti-signs-roc-nation-owner-tidal|archive-date=July 2, 2018|url-status=live}}http://www.thestate.com/entertainment/celebrities/article61914187.html {{dead link|date=October 2018}} After announcing he was a shareholder of Tidal, there was speculation T.I. would release the album exclusively through Tidal, such as fellow shareholders Beyonce, Kanye West and Rihanna, who all at one point made their newest albums exclusively available on the platform, later releasing it to be heard on Spotify, Apple Music and other services. T.I. however denied theses claims, saying: "This is an album that's dedicated to my core fans. The people who went out there the first week Trap Muzik came out, so I'm basically dedicating this album to them and making the music that I know they want to hear me make. So I know those people all of them can't necessarily afford Tidal. So we will have some exclusive content and exclusive components."{{cite web|url=http://hiphopwired.com/2016/05/05/t-says-dime-trap-will-not-tidal-exclusive-fans-cant-afford/|title=T.I. Says The Dime Trap Will Not Be A TIDAL Exclusive Because His Fans Can't Afford It [VIDEO]|date=5 May 2016|website=Hiphopwired.com|access-date=4 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160510035753/http://hiphopwired.com/2016/05/05/t-says-dime-trap-will-not-tidal-exclusive-fans-cant-afford/|archive-date=May 10, 2016|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://hiphopdx.com/news/id.38670/title.t-i-claims-the-dime-trap-album-wont-be-tidal-exclusive|title=T.I. Claims "The Dime Trap" Album Won't Be TIDAL Exclusive|website=Hiphopdx.com|date=May 5, 2016|access-date=4 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160509233200/http://hiphopdx.com/news/id.38670/title.t-i-claims-the-dime-trap-album-wont-be-tidal-exclusive|archive-date=May 9, 2016|url-status=live}}
On July 22, 2016, during an interview with Ebro in the Morning on Hot 97, T.I. spoke on the album: "[My new album is] called The Dime Trap. It's my tenth project and it's dedicated to my day one fans. In my eyes it's the second coming of trap music"http://www.watchloud.com/2016/07/22/t-will-releasing-mixtape-dedicated-black-lives-matter/ {{dead link|date=October 2018}} In May 2017, T.I. told The Associated Press in an interview that he expects to release an album revolving around "trap music" this year. He went on to say he has "two or three albums left in him", adding "it's definitely time to transition."{{cite web|url=https://apnews.com/988b9028f7164f5c89a607da6017a3b3/Rapper-T.I.:-'I-have-2-or-3-albums-left-in-me'|title=Rapper T.I.: 'I have 2 or 3 albums left in me'|website=Apnews.com|date=May 5, 2017|access-date=4 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180930034116/https://apnews.com/988b9028f7164f5c89a607da6017a3b3/Rapper-T.I.:-'I-have-2-or-3-albums-left-in-me'|archive-date=September 30, 2018|url-status=live}}http://wowway.net/news/read/category/Entertainment/article/the_associated_press-rapper_ti_i_have_2_or_3_albums_left_in_me-ap {{dead link|date=October 2018}}
Recording and production
In July 2015, T.I. revealed Dime Trap was being mixed and mastered.{{cite web|author=Davis, Brandon|url=http://comicbook.com/2015/06/28/t-i-/|title=T.I. Talks Ant-Man, Civil War, & More|website=Comicbook.com|date=14 July 2015|access-date=17 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150715190224/http://comicbook.com/2015/06/28/t-i-/|archive-date=July 15, 2015|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.rap-up.com/2015/07/19/ti-readies-new-album-the-dime-trap/|title=T.I. Readies New Album 'The Dime Trap'|website=Rap-up.com|access-date=4 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150722235228/http://www.rap-up.com/2015/07/19/ti-readies-new-album-the-dime-trap/|archive-date=July 22, 2015|url-status=live}} In August 2015, T.I. posted a photo of him in a recording studio with West Coast hip hop music producers, Dr. Dre and DJ Pooh. The photo hinted at a collaboration of some kind, with T.I. using the album's title as the hashtag.{{cite web|url=https://www.bet.com/article/cfgzyu/will-dr-dre-be-featured-on-t-i-s-new-album|title=Will Dr. Dre Be Featured on T.I.'s New Album?|website=Bet.com|access-date=4 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150826031613/http://www.bet.com/news/music/2015/08/20/t-i-hits-the-studio-dr-dre.html|archive-date=August 26, 2015|url-status=live}} In a September 2015 interview with Rolling Stone, T.I. confirmed he had a few recording sessions with Dr. Dre for Dime Trap.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/t-i-on-working-with-dr-dre-for-the-dime-trap-20150916|title=T.I. on Working With Dr. Dre for 'The Dime Trap'|first=Christopher R.|last=Weingarten|date=16 September 2015|magazine=Rolling Stone|access-date=4 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170721091741/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/t-i-on-working-with-dr-dre-for-the-dime-trap-20150916|archive-date=July 21, 2017|url-status=live}} In September 2015, T.I. posted a picture of him posing with Jay-Z on Instagram, writing "The 3 young Kings seen in this photo came together for 1reason. Can u guess? Go head,Guess.... CLUE: 3words 10letters. I'll wait.... Answer: "Da Dime Trap."{{cite web|url=http://mic.com/articles/125881/ti-new-album-2015-release-date-info-and-guest-artists-for-the-dime-trap|title=TI New Album 2015: Release Date Info and Guest Artists for 'The Dime Trap'|website=Mic.com|date=September 25, 2015 |access-date=4 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151012072040/http://mic.com/articles/125881/ti-new-album-2015-release-date-info-and-guest-artists-for-the-dime-trap|archive-date=October 12, 2015|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.vibe.com/2015/09/ti-jay-z-the-dime-trap-album/|title=Will Jay Z Make An Appearance On T.I.'s 'The Dime Trap' Album?|date=25 September 2015|website=Vibe.com|access-date=4 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151008225320/http://www.vibe.com/2015/09/ti-jay-z-the-dime-trap-album/|archive-date=October 8, 2015|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/jay-z-will-appear-on-tis-next-album-news.17795.html?image=1&gallery=0|title=Jay-Z Will Appear On T.I.'s Next Album|website=Hotnewhiphop.com|date=September 25, 2015|access-date=4 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304073447/http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/jay-z-will-appear-on-tis-next-album-news.17795.html?image=1&gallery=0|archive-date=March 4, 2016|url-status=live}}
{{Quote box
|quote = It's a conversation of where trap music began and the growth and evolution to where it is now, especially what I've learned and what the people have learned from that journey. I try to treat it like a TED talk for trap niggas. If anyone cares about the orders of operation, here it is for you.|source = — T.I. in a September 2018 interview with Vibe, discussing the concept of Dime Trap.{{cite web|url=https://www.vibe.com/2018/09/ti-lists-six-fundamental-trap-albums-details-the-dime-trap/|title=T.I.: "'The Dime Trap' Is A TED Talk For Trap Niggas"|date=September 24, 2018|website=Vibe.com|access-date=October 11, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181006235207/https://www.vibe.com/2018/09/ti-lists-six-fundamental-trap-albums-details-the-dime-trap/|archive-date=October 6, 2018|url-status=live}}
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In July 2016, on Big Boy's Neighborhood radio show, T.I. revealed that he had recorded over 100 songs: "I think the most difficult thing is figuring out which record to put out. You know, which records to put in sequence which will actually make the album. Cause you know after making so many records... We probably have 100 and some change."{{cite web|url=http://allhiphop.com/2016/07/17/guess-how-many-songs-t-i-recorded-for-his-the-dime-trap-album/|title=Guess How Many Songs T.I. Recorded For His 'The Dime Trap' Album?|website=AllHipHop.com|date=July 17, 2016|access-date=4 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161023123654/http://allhiphop.com/2016/07/17/guess-how-many-songs-t-i-recorded-for-his-the-dime-trap-album/|archive-date=October 23, 2016|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2016/07/t-i-recorded-100-songs-dime-trap/|title=T.I. Has Recorded Over 100 Songs for 'Dime Trap' Album - XXL|website=XXL Mag|date=July 15, 2016 |access-date=4 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161018185724/http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2016/07/t-i-recorded-100-songs-dime-trap/|archive-date=October 18, 2016|url-status=live}} T.I. also shared that he didn't know which direction he planned on taking the Roc Nation release yet: "I have to pick... Let's say 12 to 16 records out of that. I think that's the most difficult cause you have to figure out what's the tone. What's the tone of the project? What's the message? And how you want to present that energy. And they all like my kids."
In a May 2017 interview with XXL, when asked about Dime Trap{{'}}s delay, T.I. responded with: "It's been ready for a while. The thing about music is that the things that go on in my life, like it's so much going on, that I make so many different types of records and I'm just dying to see what kind of record this is going to be, you know what I mean? Is it going to be like the way I intended it to be? Like gutter and grimy like Trap Muzik, or is it going to be a culmination of radio records and trap records that make up kind of like a King album was or Paper Trail was? I'm gonna see what collection of songs come out of this. Usually, the newest ones kind of make their way up to the top, but there's some records that I have done that I think are gonna move like people been waiting for.{{cite web|url=http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2017/05/t-i-interview-trey-songz-the-lady-killers/|title=T.I. and Trey Songz Have a Joint Project Called 'The Lady Killers' in the Works - XXL|website=XXL Mag|date=May 22, 2017 |access-date=4 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171028104451/http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2017/05/t-i-interview-trey-songz-the-lady-killers|archive-date=October 28, 2017|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/24-most-anticipated-rap-albums-for-the-rest-of-2017-w488082/ti-w488932|title=24 Most Anticipated Rap Albums For the Rest of 2017|author=Christopher R. Weingarten |author2=Elias Leight |author3=David Turner |author4=Brittany Spanos |author5=Mosi Reeves |author6=Al Shipley |author7=Christina Lee|date=29 June 2017|magazine=Rolling Stone|access-date=4 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171114185110/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/24-most-anticipated-rap-albums-for-the-rest-of-2017-w488082/ti-w488932|archive-date=November 14, 2017|url-status=live}}
In September 2017, T.I. previewed two new songs via social media, one of which HotNewHipHop called "an uptempo number that was produced by Zaytoven."{{cite web|url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/ti-previews-new-music-in-social-media-videos-news.37084.html|title=T.I. Previews New Music In Social Media Videos|website=Hotnewhiphop.com|date=September 7, 2017|access-date=4 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171001154915/https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/ti-previews-new-music-in-social-media-videos-news.37084.html|archive-date=October 1, 2017|url-status=live}} In April 2018, T.I. previewed a song featuring YFN Lucci, which Trevor Smith of HotNewHipHop wrote "features a characteristically emotional rap-sung performance by Lucci, while T.I. delivers dexterous triplet flows over sentimental piano chords."{{cite web|url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/ti-previews-yfn-lucci-collab-from-the-dime-trap-news.47387.html|title=T.I. Previews YFN Lucci Collab From "The Dime Trap"|website=Hotnewhiphop.com|date=April 8, 2018|access-date=4 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180420074012/https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/ti-previews-yfn-lucci-collab-from-the-dime-trap-news.47387.html|archive-date=April 20, 2018|url-status=live}} In an interview with Vibe, T.I. revealed "Jefe" was originally intended for Meek Mill's album Wins & Losses (2017), however it ultimately found placement on Dime Trap.{{cite web|url=https://www.vibe.com/2018/10/ti-dime-trap-samples-features-artist-list/|title=Every Featured Artist And Sample On T.I.'s New 'Dime Trap' Album|date=October 5, 2018|website=Vibe.com|access-date=October 11, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181006154905/https://www.vibe.com/2018/10/ti-dime-trap-samples-features-artist-list/|archive-date=October 6, 2018|url-status=live}}
Release and promotion
On March 11, 2015, T.I. released a single titled "Project Steps".{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/project-steps-single/975927935|title=Project Steps - Single by T.I.|date=11 March 2015|website=iTunes|access-date=4 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151123100623/https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/project-steps-single/id975927935|archive-date=November 23, 2015|url-status=live}} The song was produced by T.I.'s frequent collaborator, Mars of production team 1500 or Nothin'.{{cite web|url=http://allhiphop.com/2015/03/12/t-i-project-steps-produced-by-mars-of-1500-or-nothin/|title=T.I. "Project Steps" Produced By Mars of 1500 or Nothin!|website=AllHipHop.com|date=March 12, 2015|access-date=4 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150913175209/http://allhiphop.com/2015/03/12/t-i-project-steps-produced-by-mars-of-1500-or-nothin/|archive-date=September 13, 2015|url-status=live}} On March 24, 2015, T.I. announced his tenth album would be titled Trap's Open. In a June 2015 interview, T.I. revealed his tenth studio album was completed and awaiting release.{{cite web|url=http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2015/06/t-says-new-album-finished/|title=T.I. Says His New Album Is Finished - XXL|website=XXL Mag|date=June 8, 2015 |access-date=4 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150719103601/http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2015/06/t-says-new-album-finished/|archive-date=July 19, 2015|url-status=live}} On June 26, 2015, T.I. released the music video for the single "Project Steps" and announced his tenth album's new title would be The Dime Trap.{{cite web|url=http://www.rap-up.com/2015/06/26/video-ti-project-steps/|title=Video: T.I. – 'Project Steps'|website=Rap-up.com|access-date=4 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150629070434/http://www.rap-up.com/2015/06/26/video-ti-project-steps/|archive-date=June 29, 2015|url-status=live}}{{Cite web |url=http://www.vh1.com/video/ti/1215862/project-steps.jhtml |title="Project Steps" by T.I. {{pipe}} Music Video {{pipe}} VH1.com |access-date=July 26, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150906075253/http://www.vh1.com/video/ti/1215862/project-steps.jhtml |archive-date=September 6, 2015 |url-status=dead }}{{cite web|url=https://instagram.com/p/4awu0nAbrX/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/s/instagram/4awu0nAbrX |archive-date=December 24, 2021 |url-access=registration|title=TIP on Instagram: "First thing heard/seen from my 10th album "The Dime Trap".... Video jumpin off NOW on #WSHH #OnMyTrapMuzikShit #HustleGangOverErrrthang"|website=Instagram|access-date=4 October 2018}}{{cbignore}} On September 4, 2015, T.I. released a song titled "Check, Run It", as a single via digital distribution.{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/check-run-it-single/1037087374|title=Check, Run It - Single by T.I.|date=4 September 2015|website=iTunes|access-date=4 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150905200014/https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/check-run-it-single/id1037087374|archive-date=September 5, 2015|url-status=live}} The song was produced by League of Starz.{{cite web|url=http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/ti-check-run-it-prod-by-league-of-starz-new-song.1966145.html|title=T.I. - Check, Run It (Prod. By League Of Starz)|website=Hotnewhiphop.com|date=September 4, 2015|access-date=4 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150915050733/http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/ti-check-run-it-prod-by-league-of-starz-new-song.1966145.html|archive-date=September 15, 2015|url-status=live}} In promotion for the album, T.I. unexpectedly released an extended play (EP) titled Da' Nic, on September 11, 2015. The EP contains five songs, including the singles "Project Steps" and "Check, Run It".{{cite web|url=http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/stream-tis-new-ep-da-nic-news.17536.html|title=Stream T.I.'s New EP "Da' Nic"|website=Hotnewhiphop.com|date=September 11, 2015|access-date=4 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150926233632/http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/stream-tis-new-ep-da-nic-news.17536.html|archive-date=September 26, 2015|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/da-nic-ep/1038302466?ls=1|title=Da' Nic - EP by T.I.|date=11 September 2015|website=iTunes|access-date=4 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150913032411/https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/da-nic-ep/id1038302466?ls=1|archive-date=September 13, 2015|url-status=live}} T.I. launched the EP independently, through San Francisco's Empire Distribution.{{cite web|url=http://www.nbcbayarea.com/entertainment/TI-Announces-Surprise-Release-at-Twitter-Headquarters-326520281.html|title=T.I. Announces Surprise Release at Twitter HQ|website=Nbcbayarea.com|date=September 10, 2015 |access-date=4 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150912161518/http://www.nbcbayarea.com/entertainment/TI-Announces-Surprise-Release-at-Twitter-Headquarters-326520281.html|archive-date=September 12, 2015|url-status=live}} On September 11, T.I. also released the music video for "Check, Run It" and projected a November release date for the album.{{cite web|url=http://www.rap-up.com/2015/09/11/video-ti-check-run-it/|title=Video: T.I. – 'Check, Run It'|website=Rap-up.com|access-date=4 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150914002013/http://www.rap-up.com/2015/09/11/video-ti-check-run-it/|archive-date=September 14, 2015|url-status=live}}
On January 20, 2016, T.I. unveiled the album's original cover art via Instagram.{{cite web|url=http://rapdose.com/2016/01/21/t-i-the-dime-trap-album-cover-revealed/|title=T.I. "The Dime Trap" Album Cover Revealed|date=21 January 2016|website=Rapdose.com|access-date=4 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160513004612/http://rapdose.com/2016/01/21/t-i-the-dime-trap-album-cover-revealed/|archive-date=May 13, 2016|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.brandnew.hiphop/t-i-the-dime-trap/|title=T.I. – The Dime Trap – Brand New Hip Hop|date=30 May 2016|website=Brandnew.hiphop|access-date=4 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160531031352/http://www.brandnew.hiphop/t-i-the-dime-trap/|archive-date=May 31, 2016|url-status=dead}} On February 16, 2016, T.I. released a new single titled "Money Talk", which was rumored to be the first single for his tenth album.{{cite web|url=http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/ti-money-talk-radio-rip-new-song.1968572.html|title=T.I. - Money Talk (Prod. By C4 & Kip)|website=Hotnewhiphop.com|date=February 16, 2016|access-date=4 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181005071839/https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/ti-money-talk-radio-rip-new-song.1968572.html|archive-date=October 5, 2018|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.radio.com/2016/02/16/t-i-money-talk/|title=Radio.com|website=Radio.com|access-date=4 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160528164134/http://radio.com/2016/02/16/t-i-money-talk/|archive-date=May 28, 2016|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.rap-up.com/2016/02/16/new-music-ti-money-talk/|title=New Music: T.I. – 'Money Talk'|website=Rap-up.com|access-date=4 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181005111854/https://www.rap-up.com/2016/02/16/new-music-ti-money-talk/|archive-date=October 5, 2018|url-status=live}} On February 22, after announcing his new distribution deal with Jay-Z's Roc Nation, T.I. released the music video for "Money Talk". Also on February 22, T.I. put together a special "pop up concert" at the Greenbriar Mall in Atlanta, GA. The concert was to both celebrate/promote the release of the single and album, and was made available to stream via Tidal.{{cite web|url=http://www.theboombox.com/t-i-partners-with-tidal-for-atlanta-pop-up-concert/|title=T.I. Partners With TIDAL for Atlanta Pop-Up Concert|website=The Boombox|date=February 18, 2016 |access-date=4 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181004230132/http://theboombox.com/t-i-partners-with-tidal-for-atlanta-pop-up-concert/|archive-date=October 4, 2018|url-status=live}}{{Cite web |url=http://www.wrcbtv.com/story/31287826/ti-partners-up-with-jay-zs-companies-roc-nation-tidal |title=T.I. Partners up with Jay Z's companies Roc Nation, Tidal - WRCBTV.com {{pipe}} Chattanooga News, Weather & Sports |access-date=October 4, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160224085321/http://www.wrcbtv.com/story/31287826/ti-partners-up-with-jay-zs-companies-roc-nation-tidal |archive-date=February 24, 2016 |url-status=dead }} On May 16, 2016, T.I. released another single, titled "Dope", which was produced by Dr. Dre and features vocals from Marsha Ambrosius.{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/dope-feat-marsha-ambrosius/1114233310|title=Dope (feat. Marsha Ambrosius) - Single by T.I.|date=16 May 2016|website=iTunes|access-date=4 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160708112720/https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/dope-feat.-marsha-ambrosius/id1114233310|archive-date=July 8, 2016|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/ti-dope-feat-marsha-ambrosius-prod-by-dr-dre-new-song.1969805.html|title=T.I. - Dope Feat. Marsha Ambrosius (Prod. By Dr. Dre)|website=Hotnewhiphop.com|date=May 16, 2016|access-date=4 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160517110148/http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/ti-dope-feat-marsha-ambrosius-prod-by-dr-dre-new-song.1969805.html|archive-date=May 17, 2016|url-status=live}} T.I. called "Dope" the "official first single".{{cite magazine|url=https://time.com/4328903/ti-new-single-dope-dime-trap-video-tidal/|title=Exclusive: T.I. Dropping New Single 'Dope' and Video on Monday|magazine=Time|access-date=4 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171009170833/http://time.com/4328903/ti-new-single-dope-dime-trap-video-tidal/|archive-date=October 9, 2017|url-status=live}} He premiered the song, alongside its music video, which features cameo appearances from André 3000, Killer Mike, Big Sean, Travis Scott, DJ Drama and Nelly, by way of Tidal.{{cite web|url=http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/ti-dope-video-new-video.37513.html|title=T.I. Feat. Marsha Ambrosius "Dope" Video|website=Hotnewhiphop.com|date=May 16, 2016|access-date=4 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160519120107/http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/ti-dope-video-new-video.37513.html|archive-date=May 19, 2016|url-status=live}}
On July 22, 2016, during an interview with Ebro in the Morning on Hot 97, T.I. announced an EP titled Us or Else, which would be released prior to the album. The EP "will be aimed at supporting the #BlackLivesMatter movement, and will speak explicitly about the twisted road race relations took in America to arrive at its current precarious state."{{cite web|url=http://www.thesource.com/2016/07/22/t-i-announces-new-mixtape-us-or-else-aimed-at-supporting-the-blacklivesmatter-movement/|title=T.I. Announces New Mixtape, 'Us or Else,' Aimed at Supporting the #BlackLivesMatter Movement - The Source|date=22 July 2016|website=Thesource.com|access-date=4 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181004230209/http://thesource.com/2016/07/22/t-i-announces-new-mixtape-us-or-else-aimed-at-supporting-the-blacklivesmatter-movement/|archive-date=October 4, 2018|url-status=live}} On August 6, 2016, T.I. released the first song for Us or Else, a song titled "We Will Not", in response to the turmoil caused by the injustices going on in America, namely police brutality following the deaths of Philando Castile and Alton Sterling.{{cite web|url=http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/ti-we-will-not-new-song.1970877.html|title=T.I. - We Will Not|website=Hotnewhiphop.com|date=August 6, 2016|access-date=4 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160809062342/http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/ti-we-will-not-new-song.1970877.html|archive-date=August 9, 2016|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.complex.com/music/2016/08/ti-we-will-not-premiere|title=T.I. Takes a Stand for Justice in New Video for "We Will Not"|website=Complex|access-date=4 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160811232753/http://www.complex.com/music/2016/08/ti-we-will-not-premiere|archive-date=August 11, 2016|url-status=live}} A compilation followed in December 2016, titled Us or Else: Letter to the System.{{cite web|url=http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/ti-releases-surprise-album-us-or-else-letter-to-the-system-as-tidal-exclusive-news.26415.html|title=T.I. Releases Surprise Album "Us or Else: Letter To The System" As TIDAL Exclusive|website=Hotnewhiphop.com|date=December 16, 2016|access-date=4 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170201010138/http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/ti-releases-surprise-album-us-or-else-letter-to-the-system-as-tidal-exclusive-news.26415.html|archive-date=February 1, 2017|url-status=live}}
On September 7, 2017, T.I. previewed snippets of songs he recorded for the album, including one tentatively titled "Welcome Back to da Trap", produced by Zaytoven.{{cite web|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/BYu0bYWDhZo/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/s/instagram/BYu0bYWDhZo |archive-date=December 24, 2021 |url-access=registration|title=TIP on Instagram: "#DimeTrap otw"|website=Instagram|access-date=4 October 2018}}{{cbignore}}{{cite web|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/BYuy4wCDwca/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/s/instagram/BYuy4wCDwca |archive-date=December 24, 2021 |url-access=registration|title=TIP on Instagram: "Welcome back to Da Trap Ho What's Haaaaapnin!!!!' #DimeTrap @zaytovenbeatz"|website=Instagram|access-date=4 October 2018}}{{cbignore}} In an October 2017 interview with HipHopDX, when asked about Grand Hustle Records' upcoming albums, T.I. answered with: We Want Smoke is out, and then Translee is coming out on November 27, and Booke is October 27th, and you can wait until December 18 for mine. Just know that whenever you see The Chief [logo] on the project, it's gonna be absolute pandemonium. It gonna go hamburger.{{cite web|url=https://hiphopdx.com/news/id.44967/title.interview-t-i-doubles-down-on-trap-music-inventor-tag-talks-hustle-gang-politics|title=Interview: T.I. Doubles Down On Trap Music Inventor Tag; Talks Hustle Gang & Politics|website=Hiphopdx.com|date=October 22, 2017|access-date=4 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171101114416/https://hiphopdx.com/news/id.44967/title.interview-t-i-doubles-down-on-trap-music-inventor-tag-talks-hustle-gang-politics|archive-date=November 1, 2017|url-status=live}}
On September 7, 2018, it was announced T.I. signed a distribution deal with Epic Records (Sony Music Entertainment). To commemorate the deal T.I. and Epic released "Jefe" and "Wraith" as dual singles.{{Cite web|url=https://www.digitalmusicnews.com/2018/09/10/t-i-epic-records-dime-tap/|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200923084136/https://www.digitalmusicnews.com/2018/09/10/t-i-epic-records-dime-tap/|archive-date = September 23, 2020|title = T.I. Officially Signs with Epic Records — and Drops Two New Songs|date = September 10, 2018}} On September 26, 2018, T.I. released a trailer in promotion for the album which features American comedian Dave Chappelle "moderating as the voice in his head".{{cite web|url=https://www.complex.com/music/2018/09/t-i-shares-trailer-for-new-album-the-dime-trap-dave-chappelle|title=T.I. Shares Trailer for New Album 'The Dime Trap' f/ Dave Chappelle|website=Complex|access-date=October 11, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181006114727/https://www.complex.com/music/2018/09/t-i-shares-trailer-for-new-album-the-dime-trap-dave-chappelle|archive-date=October 6, 2018|url-status=live}} Additional promotion included T.I. opening a pop-up TrapMusic Museum:{{cite web|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/8477341/ti-talks-pop-up-escape-the-trap-museum-dime-trap-album|title=T.I. Shines Spotlight on Trap with Pop-Up 'Escape The Trap' Museum Experience & 'Dime Trap' Album|website=Billboard.com|date=September 28, 2018|access-date=October 11, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181006114830/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/8477341/ti-talks-pop-up-escape-the-trap-museum-dime-trap-album|archive-date=October 6, 2018|url-status=live}} "We curated it from conception. The purpose of it was to acknowledge the most significant contributors to the culture. Secondly, inform those who may be least knowledgeable about the genre. And inspire those who are in the environment that inspires the genre."{{cite web|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/8478413/ti-dime-trap-dave-chappelle-outkast-interview|title=T.I. On Making Grown Up Trap Music, Bar Hopping with Dave Chappelle & Recording With Outkast|website=Billboard.com|date=October 5, 2018|access-date=October 11, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181006114809/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/8478413/ti-dime-trap-dave-chappelle-outkast-interview|archive-date=October 6, 2018|url-status=live}} The museum also includes an escape room entitled 'Escape the Trap'.{{cite web|url=https://rollingout.com/2018/10/02/how-t-i-s-trap-music-museum-came-to-life/|title=How T.I.'s Trap Music Museum turns pain into art|website=rollingout.com|date=October 2, 2018|access-date=October 11, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181006114802/https://rollingout.com/2018/10/02/how-t-i-s-trap-music-museum-came-to-life/|archive-date=October 6, 2018|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://thegrapevine.theroot.com/t-i-will-curate-new-atlanta-pop-up-museum-dedicated-to-1829274895|title=T.I. Will Curate New Atlanta Pop-Up Museum Dedicated to Trap Music|first=Anne|last=Branigin|website=Thegrapevine.theroot.com|date=September 24, 2018 |access-date=October 11, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181006114707/https://thegrapevine.theroot.com/t-i-will-curate-new-atlanta-pop-up-museum-dedicated-to-1829274895|archive-date=October 6, 2018|url-status=live}}
On September 27, 2018, a song titled "The Weekend" was released as the instant gratification track to those who per-ordered the album.{{cite web|url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/tis-dime-trap-tracklist-includes-young-thug-teyana-taylor-and-anderson-paak-news.60791.html|title=T.I.'s "Dime Trap" Tracklist Includes Young Thug, Teyana Taylor & Anderson .Paak|website=Hoptnewhiphop.com|date=September 27, 2018|access-date=4 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180930193519/https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/tis-dime-trap-tracklist-includes-young-thug-teyana-taylor-and-anderson-paak-news.60791.html|archive-date=September 30, 2018|url-status=live}} On September 27, 2018, T.I. appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, where he performed a medley of the singles "Jefe" and "The Weekend".{{cite web|url=https://abc.go.com/shows/jimmy-kimmel-live/video/featured/VDKA5550053|title=Jimmy Kimmel Live! - T.I. – 'Jefe' and 'The Weekend' Medley|website=ABC|access-date=October 11, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181006114514/https://abc.go.com/shows/jimmy-kimmel-live/video/featured/VDKA5550053|archive-date=October 6, 2018|url-status=live}} On October 4, 2018, T.I. hosted a listening event for the album at the TrapMusic Museum.{{cite web |url=http://www.metroatlantablack.com/tip-t-i-harris-hosts-exclusive-dime-trap-listening-event-at-trap-music-museum/ |title=Tip "T.I." Harris Hosts Exclusive 'Dime Trap' Listening Event at Trap Music Museum - MetroAtlantaBlack.com |website=www.metroatlantablack.com |access-date=17 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181029163805/http://www.metroatlantablack.com/tip-t-i-harris-hosts-exclusive-dime-trap-listening-event-at-trap-music-museum/ |archive-date=29 October 2018 |url-status=dead}}
On October 12, T.I. shared a promotional video for the album. In the clip, the President of the United States Donald Trump is seen leaving the White House grounds in his helicopter. T.I. is then shown in the Oval Office, followed by a look-alike of First Lady Melania Trump accompanying him and she proceeds to do a strip tease. T.I. shared the video via social media with a caption that takes aim at one of his musical contemporaries: "Dear 45, I ain't Kanye." The video caused controversy, with the First Lady's spokeswoman calling for a boycott of T.I., after labeling the visual "disgusting".{{Cite web |url=http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2018/10/t-i-video-melania-trump-look-alike-sparks-response/ |title=T.I.'s Promo Video with Melania Trump Look-Alike Sparks Outrage - XXL |date=October 16, 2018 |access-date=October 16, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181016181909/http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2018/10/t-i-video-melania-trump-look-alike-sparks-response/ |archive-date=October 16, 2018 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/ti-features-naked-melania-trump-lookalike-in-dime-trap-clip-news.62130.html |title=T.I. Features Naked Melania Trump Lookalike in "Dime Trap" Clip |website=HNHH |date=October 14, 2018 |access-date=October 16, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181017082136/https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/ti-features-naked-melania-trump-lookalike-in-dime-trap-clip-news.62130.html |archive-date=October 17, 2018 |url-status=live }} The woman who portrayed Melania Trump in the video, Melanie Marden, revealed she's received death threats as she addressed the backlash from T.I.'s promo video in an Instagram post.{{cite web | url=https://www.instagram.com/p/BpHnE2cFKbR/ | title=Melanie Marden on Instagram: "#NakedMelania Response * * * #melaniatrump #flotus #tip #musicvideo #potus @realdonaldtrump @flotus #humor #laugh #lifeisshort #bekind #bebest #melaniemarden @insideedition @hollywoodlife @variety @alecbaldwininsta @etcanada @city_tv @dailymail @NBCSNL @hollywoodreporter @tmz_tv 💋" }}
On October 24, 2018, T.I. released a preview for a behind-the-scenes documentary of Dime Trap.{{Cite web |url=https://www.complex.com/music/2018/10/ti-shares-making-of-the-dime-trap-documentary |title=T.I. Takes Us Behind the Scenes with 'Making of the Dime Trap' Documentary |website=Complex Networks |access-date=October 25, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181025150359/https://www.complex.com/music/2018/10/ti-shares-making-of-the-dime-trap-documentary |archive-date=October 25, 2018 |url-status=live }} The Making Of Dime Trap Documentary would be released in collaboration with Rolling Stone.{{Cite web |url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/ti-previews-intimate-making-of-the-dime-trap-documentary-news.63023.html |title=T.I. Previews Intimate "Making of the Dime Trap" Documentary |website=HNHH |date=October 24, 2018 |access-date=October 25, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181025020135/https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/ti-previews-intimate-making-of-the-dime-trap-documentary-news.63023.html |archive-date=October 25, 2018 |url-status=live }}{{Cite magazine |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/ti-new-album-dime-trap-documentary-746204/ |title=Watch T.I. Talk New Album 'Dime Trap' in Short Documentary |magazine=Rolling Stone |date=October 24, 2018 |access-date=October 25, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181025110233/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/ti-new-album-dime-trap-documentary-746204/ |archive-date=October 25, 2018 |url-status=live }}
On September 17, 2019, T.I. released a long-form video for the songs "You" and "Be There", which featured himself and Teyana Taylor as a duo who take violent revenge against sexual predators and a corrupt police officer. The video also highlights Atlanta as a major center of child trafficking in the United States. Taylor is credited as director (under the name "Teyana 'Spike Tee' Taylor"), and T.I. is credited as a writer alongside Taylor's The Aunties Inc.
Critical reception
{{Music ratings
| rev1 = Allmusic
| rev1score = {{Rating|3.5|5}}
name="Allmusic">{{Cite web |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/the-dime-trap-mw0003213975/ |title=The Dime Trap - T.I. {{pipe}} Songs, Reviews, Credits {{pipe}} AllMusic |website=AllMusic |access-date=October 25, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181021024807/https://www.allmusic.com/album/the-dime-trap-mw0003213975/ |archive-date=October 21, 2018 |url-status=live }} | rev2 = HipHopDX | rev3 = Pitchfork | rev3score = 7.4/10{{Cite web |url=https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/ti-dime-trap/ |title=T.I.: Dime Trap |website=Pitchfork |access-date=October 15, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181015192303/https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/ti-dime-trap/ |archive-date=October 15, 2018 |url-status=live }} | rev10 = XXL }} Dime Trap was released to critical acclaim. At Metacritic, which assigns a normalized rating out of 100 to reviews from critics, the album received an average score of 81, which indicates "universal acclaim", based on 5 reviews. Aaron McKrell of HipHopDX gave the album a 4.7 out of 5 rating. McKrell wrote "Tip's latest sets an example for matured vets who still like to get their hands dirty. Dime Trap is dually nostalgic and relevant, and cements T.I. amongst rap's all-time elite." Stephen Kearse of Pitchfork gave the album a 7.4 out of 10 rating. Kearse praised the album's production, writing: "A murderers' row of both new and seasoned producers match his breezy rapping with zesty beats. For "Jefe," Mr. Bangladesh blends mariachi horns and marching-band percussion into a spirited thump, landing between Nola bounce and Latin trap. Shawty Redd and Pyro da God's "Big Ol Drip" beat is a slow, bluesy burner with bold drops and ragtime riffs. Scott Storch's sparse arrangement on "Wraith" steadily expands and contracts, creating strange little pockets of dead air that T.I. punctures with his newly husky pitch. T.I has dabbled in a range of sounds since his debut, but that range resonates as renewal here." Chris Gibbons of XXL gave the album a 4 out of 5 rating. Gibbons ended the review with "T.I. has always been a chameleon who can do personal tracks, pop singles and hard-nosed street raps just as easily, but with a newfound maturity and vulnerability, this might is his best effort after a string of uneven post-Paper Trail albums. It's probably not as much of an evolution of T.I.'s style as he claims, but it's a more-than-worthy addition to the rapper's canon."
Commercial performance
Dime Trap debuted at number 13 on the US Billboard 200 with 32,000 album-equivalent units, which included 11,000 pure album sales.{{Cite news|first=Kyle|last=Eustice|title=Hip Hop Album Sales: Lil Baby & Gunna's "Drip Harder" Makes Top 5 Billboard 200 Debut|url=https://hiphopdx.com/news/id.48810/title.hip-hop-album-sales-lil-baby-gunnas-drip-harder-makes-top-5-billboard-200-debut/amp-context|work=Hiphopdx|date=October 15, 2018|access-date=October 18, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181018201651/https://hiphopdx.com/news/id.48810/title.hip-hop-album-sales-lil-baby-gunnas-drip-harder-makes-top-5-billboard-200-debut/amp-context|archive-date=October 18, 2018|url-status=live}}
Track listing
{{Track listing
| headline = Dime Trap{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/dime-trap/1435044841|title=DIME TRAP by T.I.|date=5 October 2018|website=iTunes|access-date=October 4, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181002103813/https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/dime-trap/1435044841|archive-date=October 2, 2018|url-status=live}}
| extra_column = Producer(s)
| title1 = Seasons
| note1 = featuring Sam Hook
| writer1 = {{hlist|Clifford Harris, Jr.|Samuel Jean|Lamar Edwards|Gabrielle "Goldie" Nowee}}
| extra1 = {{hlist|MyGuyMars|King Vay{{ref|a|[a]}}}}
| length1 = 4:35
| title2 = Laugh at Em
| writer2 = {{hlist|Harris, Jr.|Justin Smith|Carl McCormick}}
| extra2 = {{hlist|Just Blaze|Cardiak}}
| length2 = 3:22
| title3 = Big Ol' Drip
| note3 = featuring Watch the Duck
| writer3 = {{hlist|Harris, Jr.|Jesse Rankins|Demetrius Stewart}}
| extra3 = {{hlist|Shawty Redd|Pyro da God{{ref|a|[a]}}}}
| length3 = 3:18
| title4 = Wraith
| writer4 = {{hlist|Harris, Jr.|Mario Mims|Scott Spencer Storch}}
| extra4 = {{hlist|Scott Storch|Avedon {{ref|a|[a]}}}}
| note4 = featuring Yo Gotti
| length4 = 4:34
| title5 = The Weekend
| note5 = featuring Young Thug and Swizz Beatz
| writer5 = {{hlist|Harris, Jr.|Jeffery Williams|Kasseem Dean}}
| extra5 = Swizz Beatz
| length5 = 4:47
| title6 = The Amazing Mr. Fuck Up
| note6 = featuring Victoria Monét
| writer6 = {{hlist|Harris, Jr.|Eric Gabouer|Sade Adu|Janusz Podrazik}}
| extra6 = Eric G
| length6 = 3:48
| title7 = At Least I Know
| note7 = featuring Anderson .Paak
| writer7 = {{hlist|Harris, Jr.|Brandon Paak Anderson|London Holmes|LeToya Luckett|Beyoncé Knowles|Kelendria Rowland|Rodney Jerkins|LaShawn Daniels|Latavia Robertson|Freddie Jerkins}}
| length7 = 5:23
| extra7 = London on da Track
| title8 = What Can I Say
| writer8 = {{hlist|Harris, Jr.|Edwards|Lonnie Kimble}}
| extra8 = {{hlist|MyGuyMars|Mike & Keys{{ref|a|[a]}}}}
| length8 = 3:43
| title9 = Jefe
| note9 = featuring Meek Mill
| writer9 = {{hlist|Harris, Jr.|Robert Williams|Shondrae Crawford|Dwight Sonti Brown}}
| extra9 = Mr. Bangladesh
| length9 = 3:24
| title10 = More & More
| note10 = featuring Jeezy
| writer10 = {{hlist|Harris, Jr.|Jay Jenkins|Jaswinder Singh|Christopher Meesen}}
| extra10 = {{hlist|Jazzfeezy|CxMeesen}}
| length10 = 4:26
| title11 = Pray for Me
| note11 = featuring YFN Lucci
| writer11 = {{hlist|Harris, Jr.|Rayshawn Bennett|David Grear|Matthew Amis Bell}}
| length11 = 3:33
| extra11 = {{hlist|Dave-O|MB13 Beatz}}
| title12 = Looking Back
| length12 = 3:31
| writer12 = {{hlist|Harris, Jr.|Levell Crump|Chris Goodman}}
| extra12 = {{hlist|David Banner|THX}}
| title13 = Light Day
| writer13 = {{hlist|Harris, Jr.|Messiah Harris}}
| length13 = 3:23
| extra13 = Messiah
| title14 = You
| note14 = featuring Teyana Taylor
| writer14 = {{hlist|Harris, Jr.|Tommy Brown|Steven Franks|Bianca Atterberry|Charles Anderson}}
| length14 = 3:50
| extra14 = TBHits
| title15 = Be There
| note15 = featuring London Jae
| writer15 = {{hlist|Harris, Jr.|London Jae}}
| extra15 = {{hlist|G.Bliz|johnnyboy|FVCES}}
| length15 = 5:05
| total_length = 60:42
}}
Notes
- {{sup|{{note|a|[a]}}}} signifies an uncredited co-producer
- "Seasons", "What Can I Say", "Jefe", "Pray for Me", and "Looking Back" feature vocals by Dave Chappelle
Personnel
Credits for Dime Trap adapted from AllMusic.{{cite AV media notes |title=Dime Trap |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/the-dime-trap-mw0003213975/credits |publisher=Columbia Records |access-date=October 25, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181025110238/https://www.allmusic.com/album/the-dime-trap-mw0003213975/credits |archive-date=October 25, 2018 |url-status=live }}
{{div col}}
- Sade Adu – Composer
- Ye Ali – Mixing
- Charles Anderson – Composer
- Derek Anderson – Engineer
- Bianca Atterberry – Composer
- Bangladesh – Producer
- David Banner – Producer
- MB13 Beatz – Producer
- Matthew Amis Bell – Composer
- Anita Marisa Boriboon – Creative Director
- Taylor Boudreax – Design
- Dwight Brown – Composer
- Tommy Brown – Composer, Producer
- Cardiak – Producer
- Elliot Carter – Engineer, Mixing
- Bekah Connolly – A&R
- Micky Coyne – Art Direction, Creative Producer
- Shondrae Crawford – Composer
- Lavell Crump – Composer
- CxMeesen – Producer
- LaShawn Daniels – Composer
- Kevin KD Davis – Mixing
- Kasseem Dean – Composer
- DJ Toomp – Executive Producer
- Lamar Edwards – Composer
- Lamar "Myguymars" Edwards – Associate Producer, Producer
- Steven Franks – Composer
- Fvces – Producer
- Eric G – Producer
- G.Bliz – Producer
- Eric Gabouer – Composer
- Chris Goodman – Composer
- David Grear – Composer
- Clifford Harris – Composer
- Messiah Harris – Composer, Producer
- Pete Harvey – Creative Producer
- Nessim Higson – Design
- London Holmes – Composer
- Sam Hook – Featured Artist
- Mark Jackson – A&R
- London Jae – Composer, Featured Artist
- Jazzfeezy – Producer
- Samuel Jean – Composer
- Jeezy – Featured Artist
- Jay Jenkins – Composer
- Freddie Jerkins – Composer
- Rodney Jerkins – Composer
- The Johnny Boy – Producer
- Just Blaze – Engineer, Producer
- Lonnie Kimble – Composer
- Beyoncé Knowles – Composer
- Kris Kuksi – Design
- Ezekiel Lewis – A&R
- London on Da Track – Producer
- LeToya Luckett – Composer
- Fabian Marasciullo – Mixing
- Dina Marto – Product Manager
- Carl McCormick – Composer
- McCoy Socalgargoyle – Assistant
- Meek Mill – Featured Artist
- Christopher Meesen – Composer
- Roc Da Mike – Engineer
- Mario Mims – Composer
- Victoria Monet – Featured Artist
- Gabrielle Nowee – Composer
- Dave O. – Producer
- Matt Olmon – Digital Producer
- Anderson .Paak – Composer, Featured Artist
- Jermaine Pegues – A&R
- Doug Peterson – A&R, Executive Producer, Management
- Janusz Podrazik – Composer
- Jesse Rankins – Composer, Featured Artist
- LaTavia Roberson – Composer
- Kelendria Rowland – Composer
- Shawty Redd – Producer
- Brian Sher – Management
- Jaswinder Singh – Composer
- Justin Smith – Composer
- Demetrius Stewart – Composer
- Scott Storch – Composer, Producer
- Swizz Beatz – Producer
- T.I. – Executive Producer, Primary Artist
- Teyana Taylor – Featured Artist
- THX – Producer
- Jeffery Williams – Composer
- Robert Williams – Composer
- YFN Lucci – Composer, Featured Artist
- Yo Gotti – Featured Artist
- Vivian Yohannes – A&R
- Young Thug – Featured Artist
{{div col end}}
Charts
| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center" |
| scope="col"| Chart (2018)
! scope="col"| Peak |
|---|
| {{album chart|BillboardCanada|63|artist=TI|rowheader=true|accessdate=October 16, 2018}} |
| {{album chart|Billboard200|13|artist=TI|rowheader=true|accessdate=October 16, 2018}} |
| {{album chart|BillboardRandBHipHop|8|artist=TI|rowheader=true|accessdate=October 16, 2018}} |
References
{{reflist|2}}
{{T.I.}}
{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Dime Trap}}
Category:Grand Hustle Records albums
Category:Albums produced by Bangladesh (record producer)
Category:Albums produced by David Banner
Category:Albums produced by Just Blaze
Category:Albums produced by London on da Track
Category:Albums produced by Mars (record producer)
Category:Albums produced by Scott Storch