Rick Ross released his ninth studio album Rather You Than Me this past Friday with much fanfare. Without question the Miami boss has been putting it down for a minute in the game and has transformed his career from just a rapper to a full fledge entrepreneur.
How do you define a classic album? For me personally it is lyrical content, delivery, production, and if you have guest appearances they have to mesh well within the song.
In Rick Ross career he has not put out a bad album that has stunk up the joint. My favorite albums from his catalog is Deeper Than Rap and Teflon Don.
Lets take a second and analysis his latest offering. Starting with the production and lyrical content, it is definitely 4 stars. Rick Ross always had a knack for soulful beat selections with horns and jazzy samples. Of he also represents the southern culture with the trap beats. Chad Nine produced “Apple of My Eye” ft. Raphael Saadiq and “Idol Become Rivals” produced by Black Metaphor is a good representation of the soulful selections. “She On My Dick” is a southern trap banger.
The lyrical content is very introspective and in detail with his personal feelings toward street life and the rap game. He calls it Birdman and hits the nail on the head. Ross was not taboo about the issues other artist face on face on Birdman’s label.
He delivered some memorable lines and quotes “I want fried chicken at my funeral.” From Donald Trump to having weed at the White House, “Someone tried to kill me but I’m still optimistic.”, and “Calling the police is the only thing free.”
I like the guest features and they do mesh well within the album. Ross made good use Rapheal Saadiq snd Ty Dolla skill set. Which added a soulful appeal their individual tracks. Of course Nas, Gucci Mane and Future brought their A game. There even has been a Meek Mill sighting. Meek sounded like the old Meek spitting fire on “Lamborghini Doors” without all the high pitch yelling on the mic.
Overall I give his album 4.5 star out of 5. Ross has shown growth on the this album. It not as street and that is not a bad thing. It is more soulful, thoughtful, and reflective.
