Search - Rick Ross :: Deeper Than Rap

4.5 to 5 Mics

Raphael Tucker | Chicago, IL | 04/22/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Witnessing the evolution of Rick Ross from Port of Miami to Trilla to Deeper than Rap has truly been a pleasurable experience. Sure he still raps about making money, drug deals, and women, but his lyrical content has evolved by leaps and bounds since he first hit the scene. Oddly, enough, his lyrical content takes a backseat to the near flawless production. You can actually bump this CD from beginning to end. The production done by Justice L.E.A.G.U.E. and Incrediblez are instant bangers. Overall Rick did what he needed to do to silence critics and put all the pressure on 50 Cent with his anticipated release of "Before I Self Destuct." 50 has put out some subpar albums since he first hit the scene, it will be interesting to see how he counters Ross, because Ross has officially staked claim at Album of 2009 with Deeper than Rap. Go Cop It!"

Rick Ross gets sophisticated with it

LT Twalo | Johannesburg, South Africa | 05/28/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"There's a part towards the end of Trilla (Rick Ross` last album) where Ross has three tracks in a row that present a departure from his standard, Miami bass, trunk rattling sound. The three tracks (Maybach Music, Luxury Tax & Billionnaire) helmed principally by J.U.S.T.I.C.E League presented a more soulful side of Rick Ross. More sample driven and laid back than his hustling anthems and not hurt one bit by some ridiculous guest verses from Lil Wayne, Jay-Z and company. Needless to say, they ended up being the best tracks on the CD.



It must have occurred to Rick Ross that he could make an entire album with `Maybach Music' type tracks, which I believe was a stroke of genius. On Deeper Than Rap, he sticks to the same Drugs, Money and women script but against the backdrop of the nostalgic, soulful and laidback beats, it sounds fresh and almost appropriate. In much the same way that Jay-Z's `American Gangster' sounded so inspired even though it presented nothing new. Unfortunately, in much the same way that `American Gangster' had no obvious singles, `Deeper Than Rap' has very few radio ready joints which means that it will under achieve in the sales department.



The laid back beats really allow him to shine and nowhere is this more evident than on the opener, `Mafia Music' which features a 4 minute chorus free rant from Rick Ross where he even takes jabs at 50 Cent. On `Yacht Club' his raps about swimming in the ocean with a fine lady with his seaside palace in view are almost believable. Every once in awhile Ross gets personal, the emotion is apparent in the autobiographical `Valley of Death', on there he even touches on the CO rumours that nearly destroyed his career (at least his credibility). On `Rich of Cocaine' he raps



Vacation to Haiti

It nearly broke my heart

Seein' kids starve I thought about my Audemar

Sellin dope ain't right



Nothing special about the lyrics but its delivered with a sincerity that makes you wish that makes you wish he could dedicate more time (rhymes) to issues outside himself and his wealth.



To his credit, his only attempts at radio come in the Robin Thicke, The Dream & Ne-Yo assisted tracks. Even here the sound is more polished and sophisticated and less street oriented compared to his previous singles. Especially on the Robin Thicke & Ne-Yo tracks which work really well and are reminiscent of Usher's works with T.I. on Paper Trail. The streets are catered for on the Duet with Trina where Ross and The Baddest B***h trade rhymes on...you can probably guess.



Overall RR has managed to produce an album that the 30 something's such as myself can bump, a clever move since we tend to be less swayed by disparaging smoking gun reports as long as the music is good.

"

I Can't Stop Playing It

SeanLau99 | Chicago, IL United States | 04/21/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I'm really proud of Ricky Ross right now. This is a fantastic gangsta rap album with top-notch production and awesome guest appearances. I can't stop playing it. Maybach Music 2 features brilliant spitting from Kanye, Ross, and Weezy plus an absolutely sick hook from T-Pain. On Usual Suspects, the great Nas raps his heart out while RR does a pretty good job of keeping up. The Boss teams with Foxy Brown on Murda Mami and Trina on Face while firing heavy shots at G-Unit on Mafia Music, Valley of Death, and In Cold Blood. I could keep on going but you see where I'm coming from. Deeper Than Rap is a must have for real rap fans. Forget about the man's past. This cat is talented. Don't sleep on this one. BOSS!!!"