Top

music

Stories

 

T-Pain

How has T-Pain done it? He's not attractive, his fashion sense leaves much to be desired (at least for those without Dr. Seuss/LSD fetishes, in any case), and without the benefit of the computer program Auto-Tune, his voice is nothing special. And yet, considering his hip-hop and R&B radio dominance, his claim to be "ringleader of the game" can't be argued with. The circus theme informs Pain's third album, Thr33 Ringz, in which his task is moving beyond singles toward a memorable CD. Sadly, unfunny skits clog it up ("She had five different niggas' names tattooed on her left ass cheek. That's when a bitch gotta make a decision"), and the sexy songs aren't nearly as alluring as they could be. "Chopped N Skrewed" is about... getting screwed, while his popular single "Can't Believe It" is essentially about Pain stashing his women around the world. You've still got to salute his ability to rhyme mansion with Wisconsin, but beyond that and a good beat, it's not exactly a grand slam. "Long Lap Dance" is about getting good value out of your stripper, while "Therapy" is about relationship conflict ("5, 6, 7, 8, I don't need your sex/I'll masturbate"). All told, Thr33 Ringz's tracks aren't cohesive, and it doesn't work as a full album. That doesn't mean T-Pain's not still R&B's ringleader; it just means he's not its Barnum & Bailey.

 
My Voice Nation Help
 

Concert Calendar

  • May
  • Sat
    18
  • Sun
    19
  • Mon
    20
  • Tue
    21
  • Wed
    22
  • Thu
    23
  • Fri
    24
Miami Event Tickets
Browse Voice Nation
  • Voice Places Broward / Palm Beach

    Voice Places

    Find everything you're looking for in your city

  • Happy Hour App

    Happy Hour App

    Find the best happy hour deals in your city

  • Daily Deals

    Daily Deals

    Get today's exclusive deals at savings of anywhere from 50-90%

  • Best Of

    Best Of...

    Check out the hottest list of places and things to do around your city