T.I.'s latest release, King, is excellent, his best so far. A few songs aside, this album is great, with smooth flows, solid guest appearences and nice beats. Although the album starts off better than it finishes, although the quality songs are somewhat evenly distributed throughout the album.

The first real song is "Front Back", featuring solid verses from both members of UGK (Bun B and Pimp C). However, the best song on the album follows, in the form of "What You Know". With a menacing beat and background and silky smooth raps and hooks, this one definitely needs to be considered for the year's best. "I'm Talkin' to You" is a nice call-out-the-haters track, with him going into a Twista-like frensy about two thirds of the way through the song. "Live in the Sky", a solid introspective cut featuring Jamie Foxx follows, with the bouncy "Ride wit Me" after that.

The album then hits a bit of a funk, with the annoying "Why You Wanna". Despite chart success, I still haven't managed to like this one. "Get It" is very overproduced and hyper, and "Top Back" is boring. However, next comes the excellent "I'm Straight" featuring B.G. and Young Jeezy. "Stand Up Guy" is average, but the next track "Goodlife" featuring Common and Pharrell is melodic and nice to listen to. After the non-descript "Hello" and "Told You So" comes "Bankhead", with posse P$C and Young Dro, a smooth way to end the album.

Overall, this is a well-rounded album that can be appreciated even if you're a first time T.I. listener.

Top 5

1. What You Know
2. I'm Talkin' to You
3. Front Back feat. UGK
4. Live in the Sky feat. Jamie Foxx
5. I'm Straight feat. B.G. and Young Jeezy