Paper Trail

On November 12, 2007, while awaiting a trial for federal weapons charges, T.I. announced he had been writing songs for a new album to be entitled Paper Trail. He wrote his lyrics down on paper, which he had not done since his debut album, I'm Serious.{{cite magazine|last=Crosley|first=Hillary|date=2007-11-12|title=T.I. Writing Songs While Awaiting Trial|magazine=Billboard|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1047338/ti-writing-songs-while-awaiting-trial|access-date=2008-12-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081205141746/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1047338/ti-writing-songs-while-awaiting-trial |archive-date=2008-12-05}} The album highlights his "fear, anger and guilt" as he awaited trial.{{cite magazine|last=Serpick|first=Evan|date=2008-06-19|title=Inside T.I.'s Upcoming 'Paper Trail'|magazine=Rolling Stone|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily/index.php/2008/06/19/in-the-studio-ti/|access-date=2009-01-03|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081014183806/http://www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily/index.php/2008/06/19/in-the-studio-ti/ |archive-date=2008-10-14}}

T.I. recorded nearly 100 tracks during the production for Paper Trail,{{cite web|last=Reid|first=Shaheem|date=2008-05-14|title=Even After T.I.'s Tough Year, He's Still The #10 'Hottest MC In The Game'|work=MTV|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1587416/20080513/t_i_.jhtml|access-date=2009-01-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081220113844/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1587416/20080513/t_i_.jhtml|archive-date=2008-12-20|url-status=dead}} including a collaboration with Fall Out Boy on a track entitled "Out in the Cold".{{cite web|last=Montgomery|first=James|date=2008-07-14|title=Fall Out Boy, T.I. Team Up For Personal Song With 'Nightmare Before Christmas' Sound|work=MTV|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1590835/20080714/fall_out_boy.jhtml|access-date=2008-07-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080828091853/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1590835/20080714/fall_out_boy.jhtml|archive-date=2008-08-28|url-status=dead}} However the song was left out of the final cut, but T.I. told MTV that he may add some of the cut tracks to his next album.{{cite web|last=Reid|first=Shaheem|date=2008-11-10|title=50 Cent Steals A Dr. Dre Beat From Eminem; T.I. Choosing Paper Trail Follow-Up's Title: Mixtape Monday|work=MTV|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1598907/20081107/50_cent.jhtml|access-date=2008-11-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081113131531/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1598907/20081107/50_cent.jhtml|archive-date=2008-11-13|url-status=dead}} On August 22, 2008, the songs "Like I Do" featuring The-Dream, "Let My Beat Pound", "My Life Your Entertainment" featuring Usher, and "Swagga Like Us" were all leaked online.{{cite news|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1593422/20080823/t_i_.jhtml|title=T.I. Talks About 'Swagger Like Us,' Leaked Single Featuring Jay-Z, Lil Wayne, Kanye West|last=Reid|first=Shaheem|date=August 25, 2008|publisher=MTV|access-date=2008-09-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120823081835/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1593422/ti-talks-new-single-featuring-jay-z-lil-wayne-kanye.jhtml|archive-date=August 23, 2012|url-status=dead}}

The album was scheduled to be released in September 2008, but was subsequently moved up to an August 12 after the release of the promotional and lead single "No Matter What" and high demand of the album. At the time, T.I. said that the first single may have been "Top of the World", originally featuring B.o.B and Ludacris, explaining that the song was "a reflective song about our humble beginnings and how far we've come".{{cite magazine|last=Crosley|first=Hillary|date=2008-05-07|title=T.I. Moves Up Release Date Of 'Paper Trail' Album|magazine=Billboard|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1045480/ti-moves-up-release-date-of-paper-trail-album|access-date=2008-12-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081205141751/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1045480/ti-moves-up-release-date-of-paper-trail-album |archive-date=2008-12-05}} The album was pushed back for a release date of September 2, then September 9 and to its final release date of September 30, 2008, in the US.{{cite magazine|last=Concepcion|first=Mariel|date=2008-07-25|title=T.I.'s 'Paper Trail' Pushed Back Three Weeks|magazine=Billboard|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1044670/tis-paper-trail-pushed-back-three-weeks|access-date=2008-12-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081205141756/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1044670/tis-paper-trail-pushed-back-three-weeks |archive-date=2008-12-05}} The album was first released on September 29, 2008, in continental Europe.{{cite web |url=http://dutchcharts.nl/showitem.asp?interpret=T%2EI%2E&titel=Paper+Trail&cat=a |title=dutchcharts.nl - T.I. - Paper Trail |work=dutchcharts.nl |publisher=Hung Medien / hitparade.ch |access-date=2010-07-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160122074231/http://dutchcharts.nl/showitem.asp?interpret=T%2EI%2E&titel=Paper+Trail&cat=a |archive-date=2016-01-22 |url-status=live }}

{{Listen|pos = left|filename = T.I. - No Matter What.ogg|title = "No Matter What"|description = In the album's first single, the song narrates T.I. rising above his misfortunes, including a prison sentence for weapons charges.|filename2 = T.I. - Whatever You Like.ogg|title2 = "Whatever You Like"|description2 = In the second single, T.I. melodically raps along a beat of lead synthesizers and drum pattern.}}

The first single released from the album was a song titled "No Matter What". It was posted on StreetCred's website on April 29, 2008, as a promotional recording, then released as a single on May 6, along with a music video, which he premiered on MTV's FNMTV.{{cite web|url=http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewRoom?fcId=288427277&id=1|title=Countdown to Paper Trail|publisher=iTunes Store|access-date=2008-08-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110607034446/http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewRoom?fcId=288427277&id=1|archive-date=2011-06-07|url-status=dead}} The song narrates T.I. rising above his misfortunes, including a prison sentence for weapon charges.{{cite news|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1586462/20080429/t_i_.jhtml|title=T.I. Releases 'No Matter What,' First Track From Paper Trail: 'Facing All Kinds Of Time, But Smile Like I'm Fine'|last=Reid|first=Shaheem|date=2008-04-29|work=MTV|access-date=2008-09-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081220113838/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1586462/20080429/t_i_.jhtml|archive-date=2008-12-20|url-status=dead}}

On August 19, 2008, the album's lead single "Whatever You Like", was made available for digital download. The song reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 on September 6, 2008, and set a new record for biggest one-week jump to the top position, going from number seventy-one to number one, becoming his first number one song on the chart as a lead artist and best opening-week sales by a rap track since Nielsen SoundScan began compiling download data in 2003.{{cite magazine|first=Jonathan|last=Cohen|author2=Petroluongo, Silvio|title=T.I. Sets New Record With Hot 100 No. 1 Jump|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1044335/ti-sets-new-record-with-hot-100-no-1-jump|magazine=Billboard|date=2008-08-27|access-date=2008-08-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080828044236/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1044335/ti-sets-new-record-with-hot-100-no-1-jump|archive-date=2008-08-28|url-status=live}} T.I. announced that he was "ecstatic" and "overjoyed" after setting a record for the biggest jump to top of the Billboard Hot 100.{{cite magazine|last=Graff|first=Gary|date=2008-08-29|title=T.I. 'Overjoyed' With Huge Leap To No. 1|magazine=Billboard|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1044311/ti-overjoyed-with-huge-leap-to-no-1|access-date=2008-12-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081205141802/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1044311/ti-overjoyed-with-huge-leap-to-no-1 |archive-date=2008-12-05}}

After the success of "Whatever You Like", iTunes published the release dates for the upcoming singles, "Swing Ya Rag" on August 26, "What Up, What's Haapnin'" on September 2, and "Ready for Whatever" on September 23, 2008.{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/om/album/ready-for-whatever-single/id290665289|title=iTunes - Music - Ready for Whatever - Single by T.I.|work=iTunes|access-date=2014-10-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160122074231/https://itunes.apple.com/om/album/ready-for-whatever-single/id290665289|archive-date=2016-01-22|url-status=dead}} Additionally, a song titled "Swagga Like Us", featuring T.I., Jay-Z, Lil Wayne and Kanye West - which samples "Paper Planes" by M.I.A. - was then released as a single on September 4, for Paper Trail and debuted in the Hot 100 at number five.

The album's seventh single, "Live Your Life" featuring Rihanna, broke T.I's own record for biggest leap to number one, when it jumped from number eighty to number one on the Hot 100, giving T.I. his second Hot 100 number one as a lead artist, and Rihanna her fifth overall. The song also set a first week digital record, when it sold 334,000 digital downloads in its first week of availability, a record that was previously held by Mariah Carey's "Touch My Body."{{cite magazine|last=Cohen|first=Jonathan|date=2008-10-09|title=T.I Breaks Own Record With Hot 100 Burst|magazine=Billboard|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1043832/ti-breaks-own-record-with-hot-100-burst|access-date=2008-10-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130615090444/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1043832/ti-breaks-own-record-with-hot-100-burst|archive-date=2013-06-15|url-status=live}}

The eighth single was confirmed to be "Dead and Gone" featuring Justin Timberlake, by the song's co-producer Rob Knox.{{cite web|last=Paine|first=Jake|date=2008-12-05|title=T.I. Producer Rob Knox Explains 'Dead and Gone'|work=HipHopDX|url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.8212/title.t-i-producer-rob-knox-explains-dead-and-gone|access-date=2008-12-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090130021726/http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.8212/title.t-i-producer-rob-knox-explains-dead-and-gone|archive-date=2009-01-30|url-status=dead}} T.I. himself later confirmed the release of the single.{{cite web|last=Reid|first=Shaheem|date=2008-12-09|title=T.I. Looks Back On His 'Outstanding' 2008, Despite Legal Woes|work=MTV|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1600947/20081208/t_i_.jhtml|access-date=2008-12-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081210134244/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1600947/20081208/t_i_.jhtml|archive-date=2008-12-10|url-status=dead}} The song was charted by Billboard before the announcement of the single. The song reached number two on the Billboard Hot 100 on February 27, 2009.{{cite magazine|title=The Billboard Hot 100|magazine=Billboard|url={{BillboardURLbyName|artist=t.i.|chart=Hot 100}}|access-date=2009-03-03}} Overall, eight songs from the album charted on the Billboard Hot 100, including "56 Bars (Intro)", "I'm Illy" and "My Life Your Entertainment", despite not being singles. A music video was released for the song "Slide Show" which highlighted a photo collage that followed T.I.'s career as a recording artist. The track "Every Chance I Get" was featured on the promotional trailer for Armored starring Columbus Short.

{{Music ratings

| MC = 74/100

| rev1 = AllMusic

| rev1Score = {{rating|3.5|5}}

| rev2 = The A.V. Club

| rev2Score = B+{{cite news|last=Rabin|first=Nathan|author-link=Nathan Rabin|date=October 6, 2008|url=http://www.avclub.com/articles/ti-paper-trail,6807/|title=T.I.:Paper Trail|newspaper=The A.V. Club|location=Chicago|access-date=January 24, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130213004745/http://www.avclub.com/articles/ti-paper-trail%2C6807/|archive-date=February 13, 2013|url-status=dead}}

| rev3 = Blender

| rev3Score = {{rating|3.5|5}}{{cite magazine|last=Weiner|first=Jonah|issue=Dec 08/Jan 09|page=82|title=Review: Paper Trail|magazine=Blender}}

| rev6 = MSN Music (Consumer Guide)

| rev6Score = A−

| rev4 = Entertainment Weekly

| rev4Score = B+

| rev5 = The Guardian

| rev5Score = {{Rating|3|5}}{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2008/nov/21/ti-paper-trail|title=TI: Paper Trail|last=Batey|first=Angus|date=2008-11-21|work=The Guardian|access-date=2011-01-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150222164210/http://www.theguardian.com/music/2008/nov/21/ti-paper-trail|archive-date=2015-02-22|url-status=live}}

| rev7 = Pitchfork

| rev7Score = 6.2/10{{cite web|url=http://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/12279-paper-trail/|title=Album Reviews: T.I.: Paper Trail|last=Cohen|first=Ian|date=2008-10-02|work=Pitchfork Media|access-date=2009-07-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090721081842/http://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/12279-paper-trail/|archive-date=2009-07-21|url-status=live}}

| rev8 = Rolling Stone

| rev8Score = {{rating|3|5}}

| rev9 = Slant Magazine

| rev9Score = {{rating|3|5}}

| rev10 = USA Today

| rev10Score = {{rating|3.5|4}}{{cite web|last=Barnes |first=Ken |date=2008-09-29 |title=T.I.: Paper Trail - Local:Atlanta Music Paste: Local Reviews |work=USA Today |url=http://blogs.usatoday.com/listenup/2008/09/this-weeks-re-4.html#more |access-date=2010-01-24 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081205100512/http://blogs.usatoday.com/listenup/2008/09/this-weeks-re-4.html |archive-date=December 5, 2008 }}

}}

Paper Trail was met with positive reviews. At Metacritic, which assigns a normalized rating out of 100 to reviews from mainstream critics, the album received an average score of 74, based on 19 reviews, which indicates "generally favorable reviews".[http://www.metacritic.com/music/paper-trail Paper Trail Reviews, Ratings, Credits, and More at Metacritic] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110618023948/http://www.metacritic.com/music/paper-trail |date=2011-06-18 }}. Metacritic. Retrieved on 2011-01-01. Several critics praised the production on the album; Andy Kellman of AllMusic noted that DJ Toomp's and Danja's production appearance provided "some much needed punch", which placed the album above T.I.'s previous album, T.I. vs. T.I.P..{{cite web|url={{AllMusic|class=album|id=r1406044|pure_url=yes}}|title=Paper Trail - Overview|last=Kellman|first=Andy|work=Allmusic|access-date=2009-03-13}} Margeaux Watson of Entertainment Weekly said that the "outstanding production" proved that T.I. "still knows how to have a good time".{{cite magazine|url=http://www.ew.com/article/2008/09/30/paper-trail|title=Paper Trail - Music Review|last=Watson|first=Margeaux|date=2008-10-01|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|access-date=2009-03-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090224110008/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20230095,00.html|archive-date=2009-02-24|url-status=live}} Wilson McBee of Slant Magazine called the songs produced by Toomp the "vintage T.I.", describing the sound as "ecstasies of sweltering synth lines, ground-shaking 808 patterns and breathless verbalizing".{{cite web|url=http://www.slantmagazine.com/music/music_review.asp?ID=1525|title=Music Review: T.I.: Papar Trail|last=McBee|first=Wilson|date=2008-11-29|work=Slant Magazine|access-date=2009-03-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090407032629/http://www.slantmagazine.com/music/music_review.asp?ID=1525|archive-date=2009-04-07|url-status=live}} However, McBee felt that the songs that were directly about T.I.'s prison sentence for weapons charges ("No Matter What", "Ready for Whatever") were among the weakest on the album, saying that "admitting guilt, making excuses and expressing no regrets falls flat". Sharing a similar sentiment, Jody Rosen of Rolling Stone called the songs "mostly dispenses with the Tupac-wannabe gangsta-confessor pretensions to deliver catchy, tight, bombastic pop-rap alongside a who's-who of megastar guests", saying that T.I. was a "well-oiled hit machine who's more fun than deep".{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/reviews/album/23094260/review/23306351/paper_trail|title=Paper Trail - T.I. - Review|last=Rosen|first=Jody|date=2008-10-16|magazine=Rolling Stone|access-date=2009-03-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090224064311/http://www.rollingstone.com/reviews/album/23094260/review/23306351/paper_trail|archive-date=2009-02-24|url-status=dead}}

Newsday{{'}}s Glen Gamboa gave Paper Trail a B rating and commented that "[T.I.] is still bouncing between pop-leaning hip-hop anthems [...] and spare, often violent, tales of crime and brutality".{{cite web|url=http://www.newsday.com/lifestyle/review-t-i-competes-with-t-i-p-on-paper-trail-1.886067|title=Review: T.I. competes with T.I.P. on 'Paper Trail'|last=Gamboa|first=Glenn|date=2008-09-28|work=Newsday|access-date=2009-07-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090925101848/http://www.newsday.com/lifestyle/review-t-i-competes-with-t-i-p-on-paper-trail-1.886067|archive-date=2009-09-25|url-status=live}} Michael Saba of Paste said that, "Even with the burden of sloppy crossover tracks, Paper Trail has enough standout moments for T.I.’s throne to remain secure for now."{{cite web|last=Saba|first=Michael|date=2008-10-01|title=T.I.: Paper Trail - Local:Atlanta Music Paste: Local Reviews|work=Paste|url=http://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2008/10/ti-paper-trail.html|access-date=2008-10-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081002091325/http://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2008/10/ti-paper-trail.html|archive-date=2008-10-02|url-status=live}} Shannon Barbour of About.com said that, "Regardless of the outcome of reality, Paper Trail is a solid combination of rhyme, repentance, swagger and substance."{{cite web|last=Barbour|first=Shannon|title=T.I. - Paper Trail (Grand Hustle/Atlantic)|work=About.com|url=http://rap.about.com/od/previews/fr/TIPaperTrail.htm|access-date=2008-10-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081013203134/http://rap.about.com/od/previews/fr/TIPaperTrail.htm|archive-date=2008-10-13|url-status=live}} People magazine gave the album four out of four stars, saying that the album was "a near-perfect hip-hop album for 2008."People Magazine, Nov.17, 2008 p.45 In his consumer guide for MSN Music, critic Robert Christgau called Paper Trail an "expediently excessive piece of rich-get-richer" and gave it an A− rating,{{cite web|url=http://music.msn.com/music/consumerguide/2008/12/|title=Buena Vista Social Club, GZA/Genius, T.I. Get Nods|last=Christgau|first=Robert|work=MSN Music|access-date=2009-07-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090630123350/http://music.msn.com/music/consumerguide/2008/12/|archive-date=2009-06-30|url-status=dead}} indicating "the kind of garden-variety good record that is the great luxury of musical micromarketing and overproduction. Anyone open to its aesthetic will enjoy more than half its tracks".{{cite web|last=Christgau|first=Robert|url=http://www.robertchristgau.com/xg/bk-cg90/grades-90s.php|title=CG Keys to Icons: Grades 1990|publisher=RobertChristgau.com|access-date=2010-02-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151226162119/http://robertchristgau.com/xg/bk-cg90/grades-90s.php|archive-date=2015-12-26|url-status=live}}

According to Nielsen SoundScan, Paper Trail sold 357,000 copies in the United States in the first three days of its release.{{cite magazine|last=Caulfield|first=Keith|date=2008-10-03|title=T.I.'s 'Trail' On Track For No. 1 Debut|magazine=Billboard|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1043876/tis-trail-on-track-for-no-1-debut|access-date=2008-10-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140831131440/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1043876/tis-trail-on-track-for-no-1-debut|archive-date=2014-08-31|url-status=live}} Ultimately, the album debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200 chart, selling 568,000 copies in its first week.{{cite magazine|last=Hasty|first=Katie|date=2008-10-08|title=T.I. Debuts Big Atop Billboard 200, Hot 100|magazine=Billboard|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1043841/ti-debuts-big-atop-billboard-200-hot-100|access-date=2008-10-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081009081131/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1043841/ti-debuts-big-atop-billboard-200-hot-100|archive-date=2008-10-09|url-status=live}} This became T.I.'s third consecutive US number one debut and the fourth highest debut of 2008. In its second week, the album remained at number one on the chart, selling an additional 177,000 copies.{{cite magazine|last=Hasty|first=Katie|date=2008-10-15|title=T.I. Begins Second Week Atop Billboard 200|magazine=Billboard|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1043781/ti-begins-second-week-atop-billboard-200|access-date=2008-10-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130918000221/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1043781/ti-begins-second-week-atop-billboard-200|archive-date=2013-09-18|url-status=live}} In its third week, the album dropped to number two on the chart, selling 131,000 more copies.{{cite magazine|last=Hasty|first=Katie|date=2008-10-22|title=Kenny Chesney Scores Fifth Chart-Topping Album|magazine=Billboard|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1043707/kenny-chesney-scores-fifth-chart-topping-album|access-date=2008-10-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140914085224/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1043707/kenny-chesney-scores-fifth-chart-topping-album|archive-date=2014-09-14|url-status=live}} In its fourth week, the album dropped to number three, selling 93,427 copies.{{cite web|last=Paine|first=Jake|date=2008-10-29|title=Hip Hop Album Sales: The Week Ending 10/26/08|work=HipHopDX|url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.7987/title.hip-hop-album-sales-the-week-ending-10-26-08|access-date=2008-11-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081109050548/http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.7987/title.hip-hop-album-sales-the-week-ending-10-26-08|archive-date=2008-11-09|url-status=live}} The album ended up spending a total of 55 weeks on the chart.{{cite magazine |url=http://www.billboard.com/#/album/t-i/paper-trail/1157890 |title=Paper Trail - T.I. |access-date=2010-07-05 |magazine=Billboard |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160715220030/http://www.billboard.com/#/album/t-i/paper-trail/1157890 |archive-date=2016-07-15 |url-status=live }} On August 26, 2009, the album was certified double platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America for sales of over two million copies.{{cite web|title=RIAA - Gold & Platinum|work=Recording Industry Association of America|url=http://riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?resultpage=1&table=SEARCH_RESULTS&title=Paper%20Trail&startYear=1958&endYear=2011&sort=Artist&perPage=25|access-date=2013-05-01}}

{{track listing

| extra_column = Producer(s)

| title1 = 56 Bars (Intro)

| note1 =

| writer1 = {{flat list|

• Clifford Harris, Jr.
• Aldrin Davis

}}

| extra1 = DJ Toomp

| length1 = 3:04

| title2 = I'm Illy

| writer2 = {{flat list|

• Harris, Jr.
• Charles "Chuck Diesel" Spencer

}}

| extra2 = Chuck Diesel

| length2 = 4:07

| title3 = Ready for Whatever

| writer3 = {{flat list|

• Harris, Jr.
• Christopher Gholson
• Rodney Hill, Jr.
• Monica Arnold

}}

| extra3 = Drumma Boy

| length3 = 5:14

| title4 = On Top of the World

| note4 = featuring B.o.B & Ludacris

| writer4 = {{flat list|

• Harris, Jr.
• James "Nard" Rosser
• Brandon "B" Rackley
• Christopher Bridges
• Bobby Simmons, Jr.

}}

| extra4 = Nard & B

| length4 = 5:00

| title5 = Live Your Life

| note5 = featuring Rihanna

| writer5 = {{flat list|

• Harris, Jr.
• Justin Smith
• Makeba Riddick
• Dan Balan

}}

| extra5 = {{flat list|

• Just Blaze
• Makeba Riddick

}}

| length5 = 5:39

| title6 = Whatever You Like

| writer6 = {{flat list|

• Harris, Jr.
• James Scheffer
• David Siegel

}}

| extra6 = Jim Jonsin

| length6 = 4:12

| title7 = No Matter What

| writer7 = {{flat list|

• Harris, Jr.
• Nathaniel Hills

}}

| extra7 = Danja

| length7 = 4:42

| title8 = My Life Your Entertainment

| note8 = featuring Usher

| writer8 = {{flat list|

• Harris, Jr.
• Gholson
• Theron Thomas
• Timothy Thomas
• Kassim Washington

}}

| extra8 = Drumma Boy

| length8 = 5:13

| title9 = Porn Star

| note9 = featuring Ricco Barrino

| writer9 = {{flat list|

• Harris, Jr.
• Washington
• Cordale Quinn

}}

| extra9 = Lil' C

| length9 = 3:32

| title10 = Swing Ya Rag

| note10 = featuring Swizz Beatz

| writer10 = {{flat list|

• Harris, Jr.
• Kasseem Dean
• Avery Chambliss
• Joseph Alexander

}}

| extra10 = {{flat list|

• Swizz Beatz
• The Individualz

}}

| length10 = 3:20

| title11 = What Up, What's Haapnin'

| writer11 = {{flat list|

• Harris, Jr.
• Gholson
• Harvey Mason Sr.

}}

| extra11 = Drumma Boy

| length11 = 5:21

| title12 = Every Chance I Get

| writer12 = {{flat list|

• Harris, Jr.
• Davis

}}

| extra12 = DJ Toomp

| length12 = 4:50

| title13 = Swagga Like Us

| note13 = with Jay-Z featuring Kanye West, Lil Wayne & M.I.A.

| writer13 = {{flat list|

• Harris, Jr.
• Shawn Carter
• Kanye West
• Dwayne Carter, Jr.
• Maya Arulpragasam
• Nicolas Headon
• Michael Jones
• John Mellor
• Wesley Pentz
• Paul Simonon

}}

| extra13 = {{flat list|

• Kanye West
• Mike Caren {{small|(add.)}}

}}

| length13 = 5:28

| title14 = Slide Show

| note14 = featuring John Legend

| writer14 = {{flat list|

• Harris, Jr
• Jamal Jones
• Simmons, Jr.
• Elvis "Blac Elvis" Williams

}}

| extra14 = {{flat list|

• Polow da Don
• Blac Elvis

}}

| length14 = 3:43

| title15 = You Ain't Missin' Nothing

| writer15 = {{flat list|

• Harris, Jr.
• Gholson

}}

| extra15 = Drumma Boy

| length15 = 5:10

| title16 = Dead and Gone

| note16 = featuring Justin Timberlake

| writer16 = {{flat list|

• Harris, Jr.
• Justin Timberlake
• Robin Tadross

}}

| extra16 = {{flat list|

• Justin Timberlake
• Rob Knox

}}

| length16 = 5:00

}}

{{track listing

| headline = United Kingdom (bonus tracks)

| title17 = I Know You Missed Me

| note17 =

| length17 = 3:14

}}

{{track listing

| headline = iTunes bonus tracks

| extra_column = Producer(s)

| title17 = Collect Call

| note17 = featuring Mitchelle'l

| writer17 = {{flat list|

• Harris, Jr.
• Mitchelle'l Sium
• Rosser
• Rackley

}}

| extra17 = Nard & B

| length17 = 4:38

| title18 = I Know You Missed Me

| writer18 = {{flat list|

• Harris, Jr.
• Wook Kim
• Elliot Stroud

}}

| extra18 = Two Band Geeks

| length18 = 3:12

}}

{{track listing

| headline = Paper Trail: Case Closed{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/release/paper-trail-case-closed-international-edition-mr0003205665|title=Paper Trail: Case Closed [International Edition]|publisher=Allmusic.com|access-date=2018-06-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612144002/https://www.allmusic.com/album/release/paper-trail-case-closed-international-edition-mr0003205665|archive-date=2018-06-12|url-status=live}}

| extra_column = Producer(s)

| title1 = Live Your Life

| note1 = featuring Rihanna

| writer1 = {{flat list|

• Harris, Jr.
• Justin Smith
• Makeba Riddick
• Dan Balan

}}

| extra1 = {{flat list|

• Just Blaze
• Makeba Riddick

}}

| length1 = 5:39

| title2 = Dead and Gone

| note2 = featuring Justin Timberlake

| writer2 = {{flat list|

• Harris, Jr.
• Justin Timberlake
• Robin Tadross

}}

| extra2 = {{flat list|

• Justin Timberlake
• Rob Knox

}}

| length2 = 5:00

| title3 = Whatever You Like

| writer3 = {{flat list|

• Harris, Jr.
• James Scheffer
• David Siegel

}}

| extra3 = Jim Jonsin

| length3 = 4:12

| title4 = Remember Me

| note4 = featuring Mary J. Blige

| writer4 = {{hlist|Harris, Jr.|Ester Dean|Jamal Jones|Jason Perry}}

| extra4 = {{hlist|Polow Da Don|Jason Perry}}

| length4 = 4:05

| title5 = Hell of a Life

| writer5 =

| extra5 =

| length5 = 4:17

}}

;Notes

• {{small|(add.) Additional production}}
• "Whatever You Like" and "Porn Star" features additional vocals performed by Ricco Barrino
• "Collect Call" features additional vocals performed by Mitchelle'l
• "Ready for Whatever" uses the same beat from "Thugs Need Love Too" by Rocko.

;Sample credits

• "Live Your Life" contains elements and samples of "Dragostea Din Tei" performed by O-Zone.{{cite news|url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/webscout/2008/09/numa-numa-song.html|title=Web Scout: Spinning through online entertainment and connected culture. |last=Milian|first=Mark|date=September 9, 2008|work=Los Angeles Times|access-date=2008-09-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080914052339/http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/webscout/2008/09/numa-numa-song.html |archive-date=2008-09-14}}
• "Swagga Like Us" contains samples and elements of "Paper Planes" performed by M.I.A.

{{div col|colwidth=22em}}

• Darren Ankenman – photography
• Carol Briselli – viola (track 16)
• Greg Gigendad Burke – art direction, design
• Mike Caren – additional music producer (track 13)
• Elliott Carter – recording engineer (tracks 1–11, 14–15), assistant
• Jeff Chestek – string section recording engineer (track 16)
• Eliza Cho – violin (track 16)
• James J. Cooper III – cello (track 16)
• Andrew Dawson – audio mixing (track 13)
• Chuck Diesel – producer (track 2)
• DJ Toomp – producer (tracks 1, 12)
• Canei Finch – additional keyboards (track 5)
• Ghislaine Fleishman – violin (track 16)
• Gary Fly – audio mixing assistant (tracks 1, 12)
• Paul Foley – recording engineer (tracks 5, 16)
• John Frazier Jr. – producer (track 3, 11)
• John Frye – audio mixing (tracks 1, 12)
• Lanre Gaba – A&R
• Chris Gehringer – mastering
• Jason Geter – executive producer, A&R
• Christopher "Drumma Boy" Gholson – producer (tracks 3, 8, 11, 15)
• Larry Gold – conductor, string arrangements (track 16)
• Rob Gold – producer
• Josh Gudwin – assistant recording engineer (track 16), recording engineer (12)
• Brad "Dirt" Horne – recording engineer (track 6, 8), assistant
• Jean-Marie Horvat – audio mixing (track 16)
• Bryan Huynh – technician
• The Individuals – producer (track 10)
• Jim Jonsin – producer (track 6)
• Just Blaze – instrumental producer (track 5)
• Hannah Kang – A&R
• Billy Kim – producer
• Rob Knox – producer (track 16)
• Khoa Truong – engineer
• Keke Smith – production coordinator (track 1,12)
• Emma Kummrow – violin (track 16)
• Kevin "Coach K" Lee – co-executive producer, A&R
• Lil' C – producer (track 9)
• Sydney Margetson – photography
• Robert Marks – recording engineer, audio mixing (track 6)
• Orlando McGhee – A&R
• Darryl Morris – assistant recording engineer (track 8)
• Peter Nocella – viola (track 16)
• Bill Orcutt – cover illustration
• Anthony Palazzole – assistant recording engineer (track 6)
• Douglas Peterson – A&R
• Rosie Phillidor – stylist
• Brandon "B" Rackley – producer (track 4)
• Makeba Riddick – vocal producer (track 5)
• James "Nard" Rosser – producer, recording engineer (track 4)
• Marsha St. Hubert – A&R
• Stevie Salas – guitar (track 16)
• Terrell Sass – Drums, Composer (track 15)
• Ray Seay – audio mixing (tracks 2–4, 8–9, 11, 14)
• Derrick Selby – recording engineer (track 1)
• David Siegel – additional keyboards (track 6)
• Rawle Stewart – co–executive producer
• Elliott Storud – producer
• Supa Engineer "Duro" (Ken Ifill) – audio mixing (track 10)
• Swizz Beatz – producer, vocals (track 10)
• Tom Syrowski – audio mixing assistant (track 16)
• Igor Szwec – violin (track 16)
• Gregory Teperman – violin (track 16)
• Justin Timberlake – producer, vocals (track 16)
• T.I.P. – executive producer
• Kanye West – producer, vocals (track 13)
• Ryan West – audio mixing (track 5)
• Elvis Williams – producer (track 14)
• Andrew Wright – tracking
• Ian Wright – cover illustration

{{div col end}}

{{col-begin}}

{{col-2}}

{{col-2}}

{{col-end}}

{{Certification Table Top}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Australia|type=album|artist=T.I.|title=Paper Trail|award=Gold|relyear=2008|certyear=2008|access-date=June 18, 2021}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Canada|type=album|artist=T.I.|title=Paper Trail|award=Platinum|relmonth=9|relyear=2008|certyear=2008|certmonth=12|access-date=June 18, 2021}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=New Zealand|type=album|artist=T.I.|title=Paper Trail|award=Gold|relyear=2008|id=2008-12-26|source=newchart|access-date=2024-11-20|certyear=2008}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=United Kingdom|type=album|artist=T.I.|title=Paper Trail|award=Gold|relyear=2008|certyear=2009|id=7201-948-2|access-date=June 18, 2021}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=United States|type=album|artist=T.I.|title=Paper Trail|award=Platinum|number=4|relyear=2008|certyear=2024|access-date=September 18, 2024}}

{{Certification Table Bottom|nosales=true|streaming=true}}

{{Reflist|30em}}

• [http://www.discogs.com/TI-Paper-Trail/master/164977 Paper Trail] at Discogs
• [http://www.metacritic.com/music/paper-trail/critic-reviews Paper Trail] at Metacritic

{{T.I.}}

{{BET Hip Hop Award for Album of the Year}}

{{Authority control}}

Category:2008 albums

Category:T.I. albums

Category:Albums produced by Danja (record producer)

Category:Albums produced by DJ Toomp

Category:Albums produced by Drumma Boy

Category:Albums produced by Jim Jonsin

Category:Albums produced by Just Blaze

Category:Albums produced by Justin Timberlake

Category:Albums produced by Kanye West

Category:Albums produced by Swizz Beatz

Category:Atlantic Records albums

Category:Grand Hustle Records albums

Category:Albums produced by Nard & B

Category:Albums produced by Lil' C (record producer)