Rick Ross: Deeper than Rap

by Freddie C on May 14, 2009

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Rick Ross has certainly had a whirlwind of controversy surrounding him, perhaps since he blew up with Port of Miami. He had legions of fans believing he was this huge cocaine kingpin, playing to his “boss” persona. This bubble famously burst when he was exposed for being (gasp!) a corrections officer with no ties to gangs or coke cartels. Combined with his beef with 50 Cent (which inspired 50 Cent‘s absurdly hilarious “Pimpin’ Curly” videos) and unflattering testimonials by ex-girlfriends, Ross was radioactive; rap fans didn’t want to touch him. But Ross, seemingly inspired by all of this, reminds us that in the end, it’s all about the music. If one’s music is on point, the peripherals don’t matter. As people point to his transgressions and harp on him for being a phony, Deeper Than Rap shuts all that out and delivers as one of the most enjoyable albums of 2009.

The notion of cocaine rap is an old concept, and it’s been done to varying degrees of classic success (Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, and The Clipse) to utter trash. There was a time when Ross fell closer to the latter. He couldn’t ride a beat to save his life and usually talked rhythmlessly over some pretty good production. While the Wu-Tang duo and The Clipse made the repetitive subject matter sound great time after time, Ross couldn’t keep it fresh. Then sometime between Trilla and Deeper Than Rap, Ross, somehow, learned how to flow. Unlike his previous projects, it’s not a chore to listen to Rick Ross rap. You don’t have to tune him out or try to find an instrumental version of the LP to enjoy the album. Granted, he’s not Rakim Allah reincarnated, and he’s prone to drop a “Boss!” ad-lib here and there, but he’s made significant strides in improving his flow and technique. Although he’s better at what he does, Ross stays in his lane and raps about what he “knows”: cocaine trafficking and sex, and he doesn’t deviate, save for gaudy materialistic references and a shot at 50 Cent.

To accompany Ross’ newfound competency, the production on Deeper Than Rap is the best he’s received to date. J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League absolutely steal the show on their 4 contributions, “Maybach Music 2,” “Magnificent,” “Yacht Club,” and “Rich off Cocaine.” J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League tailored their beats to fit Ross to a T, with lush, laid-back beats that are perfect for riding around Miami with the top down, just as you would imagine Ross the Boss would. And to the credit of the other producers, including The Inkredibles, The Runners, and DJ Toomp, they created the rest of the beats in that same vein, giving the album an excellent sense of continuity and coherence, which is no easy task with so many different producers contributing to one album.

Looking past the limited and repetitive subject matter, there really isn’t a huge flaw in Deeper Than Rap. The only slip-up on the tracklist is the Trina-assisted “Face,” which is woefully out-of place. It lacks the “crusin’” feel, a feel that makes the album such a consistent success. Also, Ross is probably best off not referencing his correctional officer past on “Valley of Death,” especially when he follows it by saying he moved coke while he was doing it, only because he had kids to feed. Investigations and official documents have proved Ross isn’t a coke trafficker, and I’m fine with him rapping about it because all he’s doing is portraying a character, not rapping an autobiography. But when he tries to blend this fantasy with his correctional officer reality, it comes off as painfully awkward, as it usually is when someone sticks to a lie despite being exposed.

Despite Ross’ attempt to be serious and “honest” on the track, it doesn’t work that well, as the album’s best moments come while Ross portrays himself as the Boss. His draw is not himself, it’s the character he presents, how he presents it, and the beats behind it. With this formula, Deeper Than Rap is Ross’ best album yet and is a strong bet to finish in the top hip-hop albums of 2009.

84/100

“Maybach Music 2″

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“Rich Off Cocaine”

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“Magnificent”

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Posted in Music Reviews

  • http://www.soulsoundproduction.blogspot.com Rouh

    i think i was the first to expose (check the cbox) my confusion and mixed feeling about rick ross. How can I, me, disciple of GZA and Rakim , find rick ross a good “lyricist” ? Well this feeling somehow disappeared with time (and a few full album listens) later but “mafia music” is one of the best tracks of ’09 so far and there are some good tracks and beats on this album. Will it be better than “before i self destruct” ? Time will reveal…
    Peace
    1

  • http://www.twitter.com/bfears bfears

    i liked the album. even tho i dont believe a word he says. well its entertainment anyways

  • Dr. MaD

    ok justice leadue just killed it….any instrumental version? haha….

  • NWB

    Great review, not biased in any way.
    Reviews on kevnott.com are top notch, they add a lot to my to-buy-list.
    Peace out,
    NWB

  • http://soundclick.com/danimalhiphopbeats Danimal

    no where near BROOKLYNATI lol

  • Mike

    There really isn’t a huge flaw! except for the dude is wack!

  • Freddie C

    The great thing about reviewing mainstream stuff is it separates the people who won’t give it a chance because it’s on the radio, and true music lovers who appreciate good music no matter who makes it.

    btw, how dope are the dudes from J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League? The production was amazing

  • http://kevinnottingham.com Kevin

    Excellent review Fred, but I guess I’m the only one not feeling this album. Maybe I’m one of those that won’t give it a chance cuz it’s on the radio… lol. I’ll give it another spin though and see if my opinion changes.

    On another note, the new Red & Meth leaked yeterday and WHOA! I may have to take my statement back about Tanya Morgan being album of the year. Blackout 2 so far is very very close.

  • Freddie C

    I’m not as big on lyricism as I am on production, but his lyrics are more than tolerable, and his flow is waaaaaaaaaaaaaaay better than before. Ross keeps up with his production for a change, instead of it overwhelming him cuz he was ass.

    To my previous statement, I’m not saying that someone isn’t a true music lover if they don’t like this album. That’s just silly. BUT this album is pretty good once you put bias aside

  • http://kevinnottingham.com Sean Deez

    Ross’s flow throughout this album is great.
    Can’t be closed minded about this stuff… call a spade a spade

  • http://rapnewscenter.blogspot.com/ akzzle4shzzle

    ok biased aside, I felt rick ross needed a faster track on here because everything sounds too slow to me. The Production is amazing but there are way too many chill tracks instead of chill tracks and bangers. JUSTICE League is ridiculous, and Maybach Music 2 along with Mafia Music are too crazy. I do feel Rick and his lying are getting outta control, but when it comes to the music he still knows how to make some fire.

  • http://kevinnottingham.com Sean Deez

    The lying is hilarious and I mean, as the reviewer says, with what aside, who cares.

    I still find it hilarious that he lied about being an corrections officer… Yeah, apologize for being a cop, that’s usually the right route to go.

  • Freddie C

    He’s not a cop! He’s Al Capone with a badge!

    sorry, that’s one of my favorite lines from The Shield. But the thing is, Ross is just a character. Has anyone here ACTUALLY believed him?!?! It’s like the WWE, and he’s playing this big coke boss named Rick Ross. If we’re gonna be serious about this, let’s haul Necro to jail!

  • KTom

    Honestly, this album is one of the most over-hyped albums of the year & speaks to how desperate people are to have some escapism. Does it bump? Absolutely. Is it easy to ride to? Yes. Does it require you to completely turn your brain off? In the worst way. While Ross’ flow has improved & he can sound decent lyrically at times, to me Trill > Deeper Than Rap.

    I went back to listen to Trilla after being underwhelmed by DTR, and it is clearer than I thought. I don’t mind being in the minority with this opinion, but “Maybach Music” > “Maybach Music 2″. The beat is smoother & verses better. MM2 only has Yeezy going for it, since Wayne’s verse was mailed in compared to his usual feature verses & Ross doesn’t really matter next to real lyricists. Trilla had 4 bonafide hits (“Speedin” “The Boss” “Maybach Music” “Here I Am”) that beat the best 4 off DTR (“Maybach Music 2″ “Mafia Music” “Magnificent” “Valley of Death”).

    His lying & ridiculousness has reached epic levels on this album, pretty much making his lyrics either hilarious or infuriating depending on your mood. All I want, as a fan, is dope beats & dope rhymes (to paraphrase Phonte), and DTR gave me half of that equation. How about a 72/100?

  • Freddie C

    Rich Off Cocaine > better than all mentioned on Trilla. Valley of Death was good, but once he mentioned that he shoveled snow while being a CO, he lost me.

    I find it hilarious all these people call him a liar. Almost every rapper is a liar. Trust me, Baby doesn’t have a platinum football field.

  • http://twitter.com/realfrequency Vatkeezy

    You could have just said beats are fire, lyrics are wack, and been done with the review haha. I listened once and I really can’t take Rick Ross seriously.

  • http://www.myspace.com/kingofspit Parv

    Does anybody know if an instrumental version is gonna become available?

    And my opinion. I hate Ross, but this album is really really good, it was almost refreshing to hear a commercial album that actually had me putting the repeat on. Maybach Music 2 is just absolute bananas.

  • Freddie C

    Vatkeezy – I could have the done that for the Budden album – lyrics are hot, beats were wack. But Ross’ lyrics aren’t nearly as bad as Padded Room’s production.

    And for the record, I’m not a Ross fan. But this album might swing me in his direction. I mean damn, my homie HATED Ross. But after this album, he answers his phone with “Triiiillllaaaa”

  • http://kevinnottingham.com Sean Deez

    I think we just need to give credit where credit is due.

  • Mike

    I’m not biased nor closed minded. I listen to music that is on the radio that I like. I do listen to music first and give it a chance. I’ve heard Ross and I think he is wack lyrically. Terrible. Just listen to the diss responses to 50 cent. it’s atrociously bad and 50′s ish wasn’t even that tight. I also gave Asher Roth a chance and I’m not feeling it homey. I give props to artists I feel deserve props not who I”M TOLD TO LIKE. ol MTV/BET lookin ass. But hey, like i’ve said in other posts… if you like it than do you… support that hate music, killing people music, lets sell drugs but not real music

  • CYPH

    THOUGH WE ALL KNOW THAT 50 CENT TOTALLY CRUSHED RICK IN THEIR BEEF, I THINK RICK ACCOMPLISHED WHAT HE REALLY WANTED, RECORD SALES. AFTER FOLLOWING THE BEEF, I FOUND MYSELF THINKING “I WONDER WHAT HIS ALBUM WILL SOUND LIKE!” SO I ENDED UP COPPING IT AND I LIKED IT. EVEN THOUGH HE LOST JUST ABOUT ALL HIS STREET CREDIT, HE DID PUT OUT A DOPE ALBUM AND WE CANT TAKE THAT FROM HIM. AND YES!, THE PRODUCTION IS AMAZING!!!!

  • Freddie C

    so Mike, if you would please take a second to come off of your high horse, since you do not support “killing people and selling drugs” music, which rappers do you like?

  • Mike

    KRS-One, De La Soul, Murs, Ugly Duckling, Souls of Mischief, Rakim, ATCQ, People Under the Stairs, Kidz In the Hall, Del Tha Funky Homosapien, Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince, Fat Boys, EPMD, Biz Markie, Leaders of the New School, Little Brother, Atmosphere, Poor Righteous Teachers, Public Enemy, Special Ed, Nice and Smooth, Elzhi, Lupe Fiasco, Black Thought, Common, Mos Def, Talib Kweli, Wale, Canibus, Ras Kass, etc etc

    I’m not on a high horse. It seems if a person has a differing opinion then he/she is a “hater.” I have a freedom of choice of what I support or beliefs. U don’t have to believe the same. I believe in freedom of speech and I’m not trying to take any records off the shelves. I do believe that hate and negativity breed hate and a lot of what is on the radio and on tv is not healthy for society. Especially the young kids that artists just like RICK ROSS are marketed to. Now a days the bar is set so low in Hip hop that mediocre music is praised. Rap is something you do, Hip hop is something you live! I’m an old head and I’m not into the studio gangsters, snap music, soulja boys, etc etc and get bored very quickly with a lot of stuff out today. It is what it is. Like I said if you like it than your an adult and bang the ish out of it but i’ma voice my opinion too! Peace homey

  • http://kevinnottingham.com Thomas

    I think the production is pretty good. I’m normally a lyrics guy….so I just ride to the beat. Commom said on “6th Sense” (I think) “If I don’t like I don’t like, doesn’t mean I’m hatin.” Its not an album for everyone. I’m mad he left off “Shittin on Em”, “Cigar Music,” and “MM 2).

    MM > MM2

    I think Ross’s album is what it is….a VERY good commercial album. I don’t think Ross is looking for internet or much critical acclaim…he’s looking for records sales and money. Personally I’m cool with that…do him.

    I personally have room in my cd collection for Ross along with my PE album, Biz Markie tapes, and Wu-Tang Clan collection.

    Off topic the fans are ruining Hip Hop not the artist. The artist and labels (Majors) are only putting out what they THINK people want to hear. Case in point Elzhi, Black Milk, Murs, The Roots, (among others) dropped dope albums last year and they sold a combined 100k (maybe). We champion people on the nets, but don’t support them at retail. Until this changes we will contiue to have terrible music.

    Another point…people are biggin up that new Tanya Morgan album….where you get it at? Cause that ish ain’t in the stores. This goes to my point above. Nothing is gonna change until the “little guy” gets supported at retail. I do my fair share of downloading, but I know I’ve spend TONS of money on CD’s within the last year old and new (just got Finale, Oddisee, and AZ (1st joint) in the mail today).

    Anyhoo I’m off topic.

  • http://kevinnottingham.com Sean Deez

    thomas on point

    its a VERY good commercial album

  • Freddie C

    Mike – trust me folk, I respect your opinion and your right to say it. However, as I interpreted it, it came off a little “my taste is better than yours”. That might not be your intention, but that’s what I gathered. Now, I don’t like MTV/BET probably as much as you do. And all those rappers you named, they occupy significant space in my iPod. Now, is music now as good as it was in the Golden Age of late 80s and early-mid 90s? In my opinion, no. But when you go at subject matter, were Ghostface and Raekwon not talking about the same things as Ross? Ross doesn’t do it as well they do, but the subject matter is the same. Hell, Nas probably has more bodies in his songs than Ross has. And I see you listed Ras Kass, who has certainly been accused of making “hate music.” Not to nitpick, just an observation.

    I guarantee I’m just as bored as you are with the radio. I’m tired of AutoTune. But I’ll be damned if I’m going to dismiss this album as just another piece of mainstream trash. It’s an extremely easy listen, and very enjoyable

  • Freddie C

    Thomas – on point my man. I used to be able to get all my underground stuff at smaller record stores. But with Best Buy pricing everybody out, those little stores went under, and the underground went with them. Look at Joe Budden. He may have his “internet soldiers”, he had the video of that guy buying 6 Padded Rooms. And those are probably the only copies of Padded Room sold. of course, the album wasn’t that good. Bad example.

    Take the Minstrel Show. Easily one of the best albums I’ve heard in the past 10 years. I had to get that online. Best Buy sure as hell didn’t have it. Now, if a million LB online soldiers go online and buy Minstrel Show, they blow up, maybe 9th stays in the group, and we get our champion for intelligent hip-hop in the mainstream. Thomas is on the money. IT’S OUR FAULT. If LB has a million fans (which they might), and they all buy the album, then LB blows up, gets rich, Phonte is making appearances on Letterman and hopefully leaves Pooh behind for a solo career (I can dream, can’t I?). But they sold wood in the hood, as we bemoan the fact they get no exposure.

  • http://kevinnottingham.com Thomas

    I think what these comments show is we all have love for Hip Hop.

    The great artist are able to satifsy hardcore fans, the labels, radio, and themselves…cause in the end…its about that green paper Fo Real.

  • http://kevinnottingham.com Thomas

    You what Freddie the best buy near me has The Mintreal Show and Get Back, but not The Listening.

    I will say I owe a lot of money to Sly, Bob James, etc…cause they keep the sample sets going.

  • Mike

    Hey, I said i didn’t dismiss it. I listened to it and determined it was garbage. As far as me watching more mtv/bet I don’t have cable. A big difference is Ross is straight up lying. I see no integrity, art or honor in that. He makes no bones about the fact that he doesn’t respect the culture and is out for the money. As far as “other” emcees. Well like I said I’m not trying to pull a record off the shelves and I’m for freedom of speech. I didn’t say Ross couldn’t make or sell a record. I just said I would never buy one homey so listen up! It’s a big difference in telling a story and exploiting a culture and promoting crime. And even if I think my taste is betters than yours why are you worried about that. I’m not any man’s slave. As far as the whole “our fault” thing. Thomas is on point but it’s mos def not all “our fault.” i hope you don’t really believe that. Who’s in charge? So don’t take offense because I love everybody, even ross (as a human being of course not a rapper

  • http://kevinnottingham.com Thomas

    I believe its our fault because he have to hold our favorite artist/groups accountable for putting out a wack product. We hold the key….our dollars…if we don’t buy then the artist won’t have any success and have to rethink their plan. Now I understand that major label artist HAVE to give the lable at least 2-3 songs that can be deemed “radio friendly,” but just because the song is “more accessible” doesn’t mean it has to suck balls.

    Of course the label’s and the distributors are in charge because they green light and move the product they give us fans. However, if every artist doesn’t fold under pressure from the label to make (gangster, crack, snap, snaky leg, etc) music and stay true to themselves then the music reflects that. If you make the above type of music…stay true to that. When an artist does that it shows in their. I’m more worried about an artist growing and perfecting their craft the best they can. Just do you and I’ll respect that even if I don’t like it.

    I respect Ye because he doesn’t comprise his music for anyone….he makes music they way he wants to…even 808′s.

    Mike where you from?

  • http://amp.aawaaq.com Pearce

    I felt like this album was missing the BAWSness that the other albums had, if that makes any sense. but it’s still great. production is wild. those beats are epic. i’m a disciple of the GZA too, but you just gotta be able to appreciate this for what it is. he’s the baws.

  • Mike

    VA like Kevin (hampton roads area). LIve in D.C. / Northern VA area now.

  • http://kevinnottingham.com Thomas

    Ok….my college roommate/basketball teammate is from Hampton.

  • Wez

    After prot of Miami, dude just fell off……thats all there is too it. Homie trys way to hard to be gangsta, then starts beef with Slim…for what? Notoriety? Punk should go back to being a prison bitch and leave hip hop for real.

  • http://www.therealfrequency.com Vatkeezy

    “Ross’s flow throughout this album is the same.” Fixed your comment for you, Deez! ;)

    haha Freddie, yall think I’m some kind of Budden stan now just cuz I said “Tical” is not a classic. That statement had nothing to do with Budden and everything to do with “Tical” not being a classic.

  • http://kevinnottingham.com Sean Deez

    lol
    Keezy is a king. but Tical not being a classic… KEEZY

  • grady

    actually i always taught budden had a very one sided flow (kinda like the game) before the slaughterhouse thing….(which is somewhat recent so he shouldn t get ahead of himself quite yet)

  • Victor

    Tical’s a classic man, name a wack track on the album? It’s pretty much all dopeness. Budden needs to chill with calling people out lol Royce, Saigon, P and now Meth. It’s been made bigger than it is though.

    We fans defo need to support dopeness, Elzhi deserved to outsell damn near every artist last year but made peanuts. I’m just thankful dude is still droppin material cos its easy to get disheartened in the industry.

  • ASH

    The Making of Rick Ross’s “Maybach Music 2

  • Mike

    http://allhiphop.com/stories/editorial/archive/2009/05/15/21565362.aspx

    Melle Mel’s Retort to Joe Buddens about respect in hip hop.

  • jaguarpaw

    IT’S AN ENTERTAINING ALBUM…..I’LL GIVE IT THAT MUCH…..BUT IM WITH KEVIN ON THAT BLACKOUT 2 ALBUM…THEY CAME WITH HEAT ON THIS ONE!!!…DID NOT DISAPPOINT AT ALL…..THEY GOT MY MONEY….ITS WELL WORTH IT!!

  • Justin

    Are You Uploading “Rick Ross’s” Discography In The Original Samples Column Soon Kev?

  • http://kevinnottingham.com Thomas

    http://hiphopisread.blogspot.com/2008/08/rick-ross-trilla-samples.html

    ^
    Can get Trilla. Not sure anyone has completed Port of Miami….wouldn’t be that hard…not many.

  • http://www.SkeetMachine5000.com RubeksCube

    big ups to The Justice League from carolina……

    BOSSSSSSSSSS!!!! Of course the production is good, but if you have any attention span at all, you would see past the production and realise that this album isn’t very good. I tend to judge a rapper by how good he can rap and ricky can’t. I do concur that this is ross’ best album to date, which is just sad……smh..rick ross will always outsell my hip hop heroes though….sad state of affairs.

    Big ups to all classic albums because nothing new is joining that category.

  • YZ

    Rick tells great stories,just like the ones your mom used to read to you before bed…made you go to sleep with a smile thinkin bout fluffy stuff n shit…fairy tales rule the world!

  • http://www.myspace.com/randomprod89 Random Productions

    I aint like the album…just fact dat he aint say anything to me…if ya kno wat i mean…

  • Sheproduces

    Hey Freddie
    I think that your review of this album is decent.
    Thats’ the kind od review thats needed , without bias.
    I think that the album had some good productions , the top 4 productions that you mentioned as well as the others.
    I ‘ve listen to this album so much that It’s in my brain ,every word, every beat.,,,
    My personal favorite is that Usual Suspect by The Inkredibles. That base guitar line drives me insane. You have to listen very carefully for it . It’s a killar

  • http://none vaseezy

    this is what areal nigga can vibe to cause you talkn da streets my nigga. ross you da shit

  • Justin

    Hey, On Wikipedia They’ve Got The Samples Up For Deeper Than Rap! I Hope Ya’ll Put Them Up Real Soon!! Start Digging, Please???

  • http://www.afmreloaded.com ocean

    Rick Ross is somewhat entertaining to be honest. Lyrically he doesn’t really rank at the top but he’s no where near the worst I’ve heard either. I see improvement in his flow and for that,and only that, he get props. Production wise the album is pretty active but all of that is nullified when you think about his past. Every time I hear him make a hood reference I know that he’s just telling someone’s else’s story that he personally locked up. There are some cool ass C.O’s in the world and when you are locked down you may be inclined to tell them a thing or 2 about what you’ve done. When Rick Ross proclaimed that he knew Noriega.. the real Noriega, he was probably telling the truth. He probably had to walk him to the hole one day after a fight broke out in the yard! Dude is probably at the helm of the hip-hop police! Never believe in any man who lies about his past only to turn around and acknowledge it after photos were divulged! Not a good look

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