Atlanta based rapper TI is facing a year in prison after being arrested by federal agents while buying unregistered machine guns. His conviction was greeted with disbelief — the man had enjoyed a phenomenally successful 2007 peppered with movie credits, recording plaques and endorsement deals. After an initial listen to 'Paper Trail', it is safe to say the prospect of prison hasn't blunted TI's ability to churn out an album worthy of acclaim.

Defiant but chastened, he plunders his predicament for inspiration, in a display of rare honesty, especially in the 'bling and bitches' realm of hip-hop. On 'My Life Your Entertainment' and 'Slide Show' he explores the morbid fascination the public has with the fall of celebrity figures, with the help of R&B heavyweights Usher and John Legend. Long time rival Ludacris puts aside some well-publicised beef to spit lyrical about escaping the clutches of poverty.

'Ready For Whatever' may be arrogant but is also a deeply introspective look at the circumstances surrounding the rapper's arrest and refuses to evade some tough questions. How many times does one hear a rapper admit to insecurities despite"$500 000 every year spent on security," or "I broke the law, but not maliciously". Rihanna and Justin Timberlake weigh in with some catchy hooks and the ubiquitous Swizz Beatz track is also included.

Enter 'Swagga Like Us', worth the price of the CD alone — that all-star session destined for classic status. Jay Z, Kanye West and Lil' Wayne feature through five and a half minutes of trying to outmanoeuvre each other to an insistent beat. And TI has earned his place alongside these luminaries. As Rocafella's head honcho explains, "You can pay your way through school but you can't buy class."

Not every track here is a winner but 'Paper Trail' is a trailblazing missive that raises the bar, a landmark along rap's evolutionary path. Epic — if this is what the threat of jail time is capable of producing, I hope TI is a repeat offender.