Search - Rick Ross :: Rise to Power

The Diluted Real Ross

J. Cummins | Seattle WA | 10/01/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"First off, Rick Ross' major LP, 'Port Of Miami', was a good effort led by the thumpin' single "Hustlin'." It was a new sound in hip-hop that complemented his alpha-hustler self-conception. "Push It" was another hit that sampled one of the 'Scarface' theme songs "Push It to the Limit." After that, promotional activity and airplay slowly crept downward almost as if Def Jam lost interest in keeping a force like Ross rolling.



In retrospect, 'Port Of Miami' was above-par but I still managed to feel like I wasn't hearing the Real Ross. It sounded like 'Port Of Miami' was trying to be too "mainstream" [sell records] and I could see the hands of Def Jam molding the LP instead of Ross truly taking 100% creative-control. This is the main point I'm trying to make in that 'Rise to Power,' though flawed, is a much more solid effort. If you take a step back and disregard some B-list production/too many forgetable guest appearences, you will hear the hunger in his voice. I understand the move from Def Jam to Suavehouse because I can hear the difference in music and can tell it is Ross' true sound. His flow and lyrics sound much more genuine and heart-felt than 'Rise to Powers' predecessor.



Simply, I feel like I'm hearing the untamed side of Ross that was missing in 'Port Of Miami.' The CD at least deserves a listen so you can hear the difference in music. Standout tracks include: It's On / Hold Me Down / Street Love / Bird Bath / B.L.O.W. / Simple & Plain / Dear Lord."

More crack serving tales from the hood yes

Sherance Brothers | Jasper Ala | 01/25/2008

(3 out of 5 stars)

"rick ross is back at it taling you more raps about how he came up by slinging rocks to the po nappy heads from the hood."