Rick Ross has made his love for 90s hip-hop apparent throughout his career. His latest album, Mastermind, features a tribute to the late Notorious B.I.G. called “Nobody.” While some have balked at Rozay’s Biggie-isms to the point where they have criticized him for ripping off B.I.G.’s persona, Ross has always maintained that this is his way of paying homage to one of the greats of hip-hop history.
During an appearance on WGCI’s “The Morning Riot” in Chicago, Ross talked about his new album and explained his tribute.
“Me and French Montana [were] in the studio and French played the instrumental. Before I took it to Puff, I reached out to D-Roc, who was Biggie’s right hand man,” Ross explained. “He unfortunately was riding with B.I.G. the night B.I.G. passed. I wanted him to hear the record, just so I could get the vibe.”
“He took his time. Ultimately, as you can see, he showed it love,” said Ross. “He gave me a few of the best B.I.G. stories. He showed the record love and he wanted to see it hit the streets. That’s when I took it to Puff and we went to work.”
Ross was also asked about his collaborations with Jay Z, Kanye West and others on the album and he revealed that this project took more of his attention than anything he’s ever done.
“This is most definitely the album that I put the most into,” Ross explained. “I put [in] more time; I caressed this one like a young lady.”
“All of them were special for different reasons. Me and Jay Z, that was our sixth collaboration: that’s a big move. To release six dope records with the homie; that’s big,” Ross said. “[I am] collaborating with Kanye West and Big Sean on ‘Sanctified;’ shout-out to Betty Wright.”
