On what could be his last album, T.I. comes out swinging early and often.

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TOP 5

5. GORGEOUS (Ft. USHER)

I’ll be honest: I really didn’t want to like this track. Sometimes these old-school collaborations can feel like artists just trying to recreate a moment from the past. But this one surprised me.

I really enjoyed the simple, almost elementary flow T.I. uses throughout his verses, especially paired with the amount of love and compliments he gives his girl. He did exactly what you would want him to do on a track like this.

I wasn’t the biggest fan of USHER’s hook, mainly because some of the lyrics didn’t fully connect with me, but I can’t deny that he brought the church-like passion and vocal emotion the song needed.

To me, you cannot deny this track’s quality.

4. AND WON’T (Ft. Summer Walker)

T.I. basically said if he’s going to make a final album, he needs an undeniable commercial record, and “AND WON’T” is exactly that. The track brings back that nostalgic Skate Rink ATL energy, combined with a passionate, infectious chorus from Summer Walker.

What I love about the record is how naturally T.I. approaches it. He sounds smooth and effortless, delivering one of his catchiest flows on the project. Lowkey, when it sounds like he isn’t trying, T.I. is at his best. Argue with a wall.

3. DOPE BOYS ACADEMY (Ft. T-Pain & 2 Chainz)

“DOPE BOYS ACADEMY” sounds like someone opened a portal back to 2006 and let some of hip-hop’s biggest veterans walk through. The crazy part isn’t just the lineup; it’s that everyone sounds like the versions of themselves that fans grew up with.

T-Pain comes through with a bold-ass hook that brings back that era of club anthems and big-money talk. Jeezy delivers the same cold, drug-dealer energy that made him one of the faces of Atlanta rap, while 2 Chainz brings that cool, effortless personality he’s always carried. As for T.I., he delivers with that number one option energy, creating such a strong lead that everyone else has no choice but to try and match his impact. I’m surprised that I didn’t hate this joint.

2. MR HIM

Pharrell must’ve made the beats for this album with crack cocaine because damn. The production attached to “MR HIM” is ridiculous. The track comes in with enough bass to knock out your strong-ass uncle, mixed with a catchy sample, intergalactic vibes, and a head-nodding energy that’s impossible not to enjoy.

T.I. absolutely thrives over it, delivering slick lyrics about being the man while controlling the beat with a level of calm and confidence that would make Jalen Brunson proud. This is one of those records that feels built to work on everyone. If you have ears, it’s hard to hate this one.

1. LET ‘EM KNOW

Who would’ve thought T.I.’s “LET ’EM KNOW” would become this big? I’ve heard that s**t everywhere: stadiums, clubs, radio stations, and damn near every Advanced Auto Parts in America.

The best part is how T.I.’s confident delivery, with the energy of a fighter fresh off a victory, matches Pharrell’s booming production perfectly. The combination creates a track that stays exciting no matter how many times you hear it. I’m glad this s**t became a hit.

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SONG BY SONG BREAKDOWN

1. A KING’S THOUGHT (Ft. Heirless Harris) (N/A)

2. SEE WH’AM SAYIN (4/5)

3. LET ‘EM KNOW (5/5)

4. WHERE I’M FROM (Ft. Anderson .Paak) (4/5)

5. RANT (3.5/5)

6. MR HIM (4.5/5)

7. HOW IT WENT (5/5)

8. DOPE BOYS ACADEMY (Ft. T-Pain & 2 Chainz) (4/5)

9 PISTOL ON THE DANCE FLOOR (4/5)

10. AND WON’T (Ft. Summer Walker) (4/5)

11. GORGEOUS (Ft. USHER) (4/5)

12 WE ON (4/5)

13 LLOGICLY (Ft. YoungBoy Never Broke Again) (3.5/5)

14. EGO (Ft. The OMG Girlz) (3/5)

15. TRAUMA BOND (Ft. Marching Crimson Pipers) (3.5/5)

16. REPRESENT A TIME (Ft. SWEATA & Young Dro) (3/5)

17. BIG DOG (Ft. Buddy Red, Billie Lennox & EJ Jones) (3/5)

18. CONTINENTAL (4/5)

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RGM RATING

(C+)

The other day, T.I. appeared on The Joe Budden Podcast and was asked who had the best verse on “SWAGGA LIKE US.” Without hesitation, he said himself. Keep in mind that the track featured Kanye West, JAY-Z, and Lil Wayne. Yes, youngins, T.I. was really HIM. His recent albums haven’t always hit the way I hoped they would, but KILL THE KING absolutely delivers.

This project features a T.I. that sounds energized, confident, and motivated. He attacks the beats with different flows, sharp deliveries, and the type of swagger that made him a superstar. The album feels like a reminder of his greatness. He reflects on his career, talks about everything he’s built, warns anyone who wants problems, and shows that the competitive spirit is still alive.

The production is where the album really stands out. T.I. experiments with everything from classic Southern rap sounds to dance influences, Three 6 Mafia-inspired production, and even rock elements. The variety keeps the album at least interesting. The features also work well, with appearances from artists like T-Pain, The-Dream, and Summer Walker helping create a bridge between different eras of music.

The reason I didn’t give this album a perfect score is that some ideas didn’t completely work. There are moments where T.I. falls back into older flows that don’t feel as fresh today, and tracks like “BIG DOG” and “TRAUMA BOND” felt like swings that didn’t fully connect. I appreciate him taking chances, but not every risk paid off.

Even with those flaws, I had a great time listening to KILL THE KING. This is easily one of the most enjoyable T.I. albums in recent memory, mainly because it brings back the version of him that fans fell in love with.

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