Rick Ross says Phil Collins is a huge influence on his music.
The rapper has just released his joint album with Meek Mill, Too Good To Be True. Ross admits that Genesis frontman Collins has been an inspiration to him, citing his 1981 solo smash hit “In the Air Tonight” as one of his favorite tracks.
In an interview with People magazine, Ross spotlighted some playlist picks that might surprise his fans.
“It’s too easy. Phil Collins, ‘In the Air Tonight,'” Ross stated. “This is that yacht music right here. So, when I talk about that sound, I know where to draw from. I know where I want inspiration from. I know where I need it. Timeless records. When I’m talking about records that’s 40 years old, 30 years old, what’s the feeling I’m looking for? I could just keep going.”
The hip-hop star also revealed that he is an unlikely fan of Gloria Estefan.
“‘Welcome to Miami,’ You feel me? That’s just that top-down, let the top down,” Ross said. “Matter of fact, leave the top at home. Don’t only let it down. Leave it at home. You can’t even let it back up. That’s Miami.”
On his new LP, Ross and Mill sample “Shout” by Tears for Fears on the track “Go to Hell.” Ross wanted to use the hook from the British pop-rock band because he wanted an 80s vibe on the song.
“I’m a young kid then, but when you look at all the TV shows that was based out of Miami, and being in Miami, it was no way around it,” he said. “So, if you wasn’t from Miami and you was watching Miami Vice, they riding in the Ferraris, that’s what went with the Ferraris – that European sound, man.”
“But most definitely, that European music scene in Miami was … the same way the Latin scene was in Miami, the European music scene was in Miami,” Ross said. “So, Tears for Fears, most definitely, that was like 2 Live Crew.”
