Deeper Than Rap

Rick Ross’ best work to date

One of the brightest South rap school representatives Rick Ross has attracted the attention of both the audience and critics very quickly earning the reputation of a self-confident artist who knows well what he’s worth. The main theme of the songs on his debut album Port Of Miami were the drugs and street life and the lyrics amazed the genre’s fans with deep thoughts and some interesting stylistic devices. The artist released his sophomore effort Trilla in 2008 to give a number of hits to the night clubs, those were the songs successful mainly due to the faultless production. Finally a year later Ross releases his third creation Deeper Than Rap. No doubt the rapper can think this work as his best to date because here we can find not only the vastest thematic variety, but also the brightest examples of great lyrics, a good quality performance and of course the production that has reached perfection. Impressive, bold and very up-to-date Deeper Than Rap can easily become a contender for the title of the year’s best rap album.

An impressive guest list Deeper Than Rap

As on both Rick Ross’ previous works there are classic rap compositions, danceable hip hop numbers and quite frank romantic R&B ballads on Deeper Than Rap. Another thing in common is the impressive guest list – obviously Ross is not going to neglect the traditions being well aware that his friends and colleagues are always happy to record a song with him. The album opens with the track Mafia Music with a catchy tune and quite an aggressive text which is quite suitable to the title. The continuation of the song from the previous album Maybach Music 2 pleases with the participation of such stars as T-Pain, Lil Wayne and Kanye West and although musically the sequel is a bit weaker than the first part Rick’s rapping sounds more harmonious with the contagious beat here. Soul crooner John Legend has refined the melodic composition Magnificent with his presence which is just perfect for a romantic evening while one of the album’s highlights is the track Yacht Club featuring Magazeen. Living in Miami is concentrated in it with all its beaches, crimes, rivers of money and all that accompanies it. The criminal theme continues on the song Usual Suspects performed with Nas, whereas composition with a frank erotic content All I Really Want featuring The-Dream and Lay Back refined with Robin Thicke’s vocals sound in quite a different way. Those fond of stories about the dangers of street life should pay attention to the track Gunplay (featuring Gunplay), while another ode to the opposite sex Bossy Lady pleases with a memorable tune and the vocals provided by Ne-Yo. At the end of the album Ross offers two compositions Valley Of Death и In Cold Blood which he performs in a proud solitude, the successful samples not taken into account.

The professional growth is but obvious

No doubt Rick Ross knows perfectly well what the real rap means and how the good quality finished product should sound like. The production team J.U.S.T.I.C.E. has contributed greatly to Deeper Than Rap, and each of the artists who has participated in the recording has remained content with it. Besides Ross’ third record is the first one to be released on his own label Maybach Music Group and hence symbolizes the official beginning of his activity as a producer. The album’s 14 tracks please throughout it with powerful beats, various moods which are actually mainly rather darkish and Rick Ross’ even more contagious voice timber. And even if someone is already annoyed with the drugs theme this time the artist has dissolved it well with the new deep thoughts about how one should live and how not, what things are important and what are secondary. It is not known whether he is going to take a different approach to work for his next creation but one thing is clear: Deeper Than Rap promises a lot of interesting things in future for Rick Ross’ professional growth is but obvious on it.