Daveportivo's Cultural Evaluation Facility

2010 sees the return of T.I., granted he hasn't been away that long, but "I'm Back" feels like a vital proclamation. 2008's Paper Trail was by no means a failure but it left many cold. Since this commercial and critical breakthrough with 2006's King, T.I. has set about relentless positioning himself among rap's elite. He's stood on stage alongside genuine scene leaders Lil'Wayne, Jay Z and Kanye West, he's even rubbed shoulders with the creative genius and critical darling M.I.A, but more than anything he's told everyone whose willing to listen that he's the best in the game today. Unfortunately among rap fans and critics alike there has been a severe backlash. By putting himself alongside genius he exposed his mediocrity and became overbearing as a personality. To make matters worse T.I. has spent the last year serving a jail sentence and recorded this track in a half way house. So T.I. is truly back in more ways than one. 2010, therefore a make it or break it year of T.I., "I'm Back" and his forthcoming LP has to make an impact if T.I. ever hopes to shake the "overrated" tag.

Thankfully "I'm Back" delivers in spades. The beat is rather generic, with some vaguely euphoric synths that would have felt dated in 2008 let alone 2010. The production does manage a few thrills with the soaring sci-fi squeals that punctuate the track intermittently, but the beat is hardly relevant. This track is about one man, and one man alone. There are no guest spots, no helpers, Luda isn't on hand to single handedly carry the track, Rihanna isn't supplying an irresistible melody, this is back to basics T.I. He's just spitting rhymes uninterrupted for nearly four minutes. There is genuine ferocity to his voice as he forces each syllable out from behind his southern snarl. Much like Lil'Wayne he allows his own unique cadence create a melody of it's own. T.I. is focused and furious, he wants everyone to know he's back, promising that he will never let us down again. He's even saved up a few choice one liners with; "Strike A Match, Catch A Fire, T.I Add Gas; What's A Molotov Cocktail That Never Break Glass?" being the clear stand out. While T.I. still can't quite reach the pantheon of the elite, "I'm Back" marks a welcome return to form. T.I. is at his best when he's enraged, allowing his passion overflow. "I'm Back" may not be as catchy as "What You Know" but it's just as vital and a welcome relief to all those who cringed and rolled their eyes through "Whatever You Like".