R.eal A.nd P.ersonal
Rick Ross, In My Opinion
By: Deshair Foskey
Last updated July 13th , 2010

Clearly, the summer in Hip-Hop has started off with quite a bang. Drake released Thank Me Later and was close to selling 500k units in the first week. Eminem released Recovery the week after and sold 700k units in the first week, while eclipsing (no Twilight) a million sold in the second week. Next up is Miami's own, Def Jam frontrunner, Rick Ross.

So will he continue the summer streak of exceptional sells when Teflon Don hits stores on July 20? It all depends on your vantage point. Professionals in Hip-Hop feel very good about Rick Ross' chances of at least moving 300,000 units in his first week. Why? Because over the past 12 months, Rick Ross has been the most consistent emcee in the game. He has the rose gold touch. Where other artists are scolded for their production choices, Rick Ross is heralded for his. He is painting the best pictures. The ladies are loving him more these days, because he has this smooth way of grabbing their attention, even while calling them out of their name. Jay-Z has co-signed for him since day 1. Diddy just began to back Ross. He is favored to succeed.

Then you will have the vantage point of his questioned credibility. In 2009, Rick Ross became the next subject of 50 Cent's aggressive business mind. For 50, the mission would be the same, to divide his competitor from their fans in order for 50 to swoop in and pick over the scraps. In minor ways, 50 succeeded in chinking Rick Ross' flawless armor up until that point. However, unlike Ja Rule, Fat Joe, and The Game, Rick Ross withstood 50 Cent's many attempts at crushing his brand. Ross simply created better music at the time that had nothing to do with what 50 was trying to accomplish. Ultimately, a seed has been planted against Ross. But this time around, 50 Cent lost one, horribly.

Credibility is the elephant in the room that Ross isn't paying any attention to. To the Miami resident, the altercation with 50 Cent never happened. I believe him, because he has never been better. I sat down with Rick Ross back in April and this is what he said about the new album. "I wanted to buckle down, musically, and take it to where I know I could take it without any distractions," said Ross. "For the last six months, I've been perfecting my craft to create that LIGHTNING the game needs. With collaborations, I just want to thank the big homey, Jay-Z; the God MC. He is on Teflon Don. And I will just leave it right there. Know that it's magic."

The magic that Ross spoke of is called "Free Mason." The song hit the internet just a few days ago, and professional critics love it. Even Pharoah Monch said of Jay-Z this morning: Jay-Z bodied that "Free Mason" joint. And Rick did his thing as well. The track is "magic," once again, depending on your vantage point.

In my opinion, Rick Ross is the truth. His aura, his ambiance is second-to-none. And I wouldn't be surprised if he has the most complete album in 2010. 

[Tags] Hip Hop, Rap

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