It’s highly unlikely that any music critic could have predicted that Rick Ross would become one of the top five rappers in hip-hop four years after the release of his debut album, Port of Miami. And after The Smoking Gun Web site reported that Ross was a correctional officer before becoming a rapper, his pristine past could have destroyed his rap career.
But Ross maintained long enough to become one of the hottest rappers in the game. With the release of his fourth album Teflon Don, it’s apparent that Ross has mastered the art of putting the right pieces together to make an enjoyable album.
Like an A-list Hollywood director, Ross uses his ensemble perfectly. He calls on Jay-Z to address his Illuminati rumors on “Free Mason”; Cee-Lo Green adds his soulful voice to “Tears of Joy”; Kanye West helps to embody the recklessness of youth in “Live Fast, Die Young”; and Erykah Badu provides a much-needed perspective of the pitfalls of the fast life on “Maybach Music III.” Other supporting musicians who deserve a nod include Raphael Saadiq, Chrisette Michele, Ne-Yo and Drake.
Ross also picked top-notch producers to score his opus. J.U.S.T.I.C.E League, No I.D., and Kanye West provide immaculate instrumentals that are perfectly suited for live bands to cover.
The only mishap on Teflon Don is the redundant subject matter that is pervasive throughout the entire album.
And because the world knows that Ross was never a drug kingpin, his talk of selling cocaine, shooting guns and living the thug life is equivalent to an 8-year-old who creates an imaginary world and plays with imaginary friends.
But like an award-winning actor or director, Ross does a convincing job of playing his role once the lights, music and microphones are turned on.
–amir shaw
