We Ranked Rick Ross' First 6 Albums-- But Where Does 'Hood Billionaire' Fall?
Even when Rick Ross was a rap rookie back in 2006 on his debut album Port of Miami, the Bawse carried himself with a veteran's confidence. Rozay just knew he was destined for greatness, and now eight years later, on the eve of his seventh solo release (Hood Billionaire), Rick Ross is unquestionable one of the biggest rappers in the game.
So how did Ross get here? During his run, the Miami, mafia-inspired MC continued to perfect his craft with a formidable collection of solo LPs (plus features, mixtapes and MMG label compilations). From Port of Miami to Mastermind Rick Ross has remained remarkably consistent and with Hood Billionaire on the way on November 24, we don't expect things to change.
In celebration of Ross' latest the hip-hop team at MTV News sat and ranked Rozay's first six LPs. As far as where Hood Billionaire fits, we'll leave that to you. Let us know in the comments.
6. God Forgives, I Don't
Rozay's catalog is solid, so ranking his albums is quite the task, they can't all be number one. Still don't let the ranking fool you, GFID is filled with soulful boss tales ("Ashamed" and "Amsterdam") and real deal hip-hop highlights like on "Sixteen" with Andre 3000. It's good, but the Boss has better.
5. Port of Miami
Ross' debut set the table for the MMG boss. Port of Miami was southern in its roots, "Hustlin'" set a standard for d-boy talk and while "Pots and Pans" gave us a glimpse into the Bawse's deepest thoughts. On the latter he rapped about the death of his father and failed football scholarship.
4. Trilla
Rozay officially introduced himself to us on POM, but it was on Trilla where he solidified his rap stardom. He went toe-to-toe with Jay Z on "Maybach Music" and proved he could make unforgettable hits with "Here I Am" and "The Boss." Trilla was also where Ross hooked up with the J.U.S.T.I.C.E League, and they've been making beautiful music ever since.
3. Mastermind
The 2013 attempt of Rick Ross' life left him a changed man and a different artist. On Mastermind he kept his Bawse confidence while simultaneously contemplating his own mortality on songs like "Nobody" and "Thug Cry." The LP was both entertaining and chilling.
2. Deeper Than Rap
When Rozay dropped Deeper Than Rap in 2009 it was clear that he turned a corner. Not many fans thought Ross could survive is battle with 50 Cent, a lyrical predator who prides himself in ending rap careers. Then there was the correctional officer controversy in 2008 which Rozay addressed and overcame on this album.
1. Teflon Don
On Teflon Don Ross cemented himself in rap forever. The 11-track LP was wound-up tight, with little let-up. In fact, the album's only blemish was the Diddy and Trey Songz get-together "No. 1." On "Free Mason," Rozay once again went bar-for-bar with Jay Z and on "Tears of Joy" he showed true emotion alongside Cee-Lo Green. Then on the bullying and brash "B.M.F.," Ross thumbed his nose at all of his detractors by comparing himself to incarcerated gangsta Big Meech.
