Rick Ross: Teflon Don
I must admit that I didn't like Rick Ross at first. His whole attitude annoyed me. Arrogance and megalomania are common traits among most mainstream rappers, but it felt obnoxious when it came to Ross. Also, his decision to adopt the name of the real Rick Ross, a notorious drug kingpin, was questionable at best.
It didn't help that the first single I heard from him was Hustlin. It's a reductive repetitive song that's only redeeming quality is its' beat. The chorus is a chopped-and-screwed sample repeating "every day I'm hustlin'" around 40 times. And he raps gems like "I know Pablo, Noreaga, the real Noreaga, he owes me 100 favors."
Fast forward a couple years, and I hear B.M.F from the album Teflon Don. The song comes in like an invading army with rhythmic crashing kick drums setting the pulse of the infantry. Stuttering trumpets scream overhead as Rick Ross grunts out his signature adlib "uhh" a clear reference to Biggie. After the intro, the 808 drums slam onto the track like artillery shells, exploding in a plodding syncopated rhythm. Ross doesn't have to do much on this track. The beat acts as a natural exclamation point. When he raps, "they call me Big Meach, Larry Hoover, wiping work, hallelujah," the lines land like grenades. All Rick Ross has to do is give them space as the beat provides the lines all gravitas they need.
The lyrics are forgettable, but they're not the point. Like a techno track, the song's point is the energy it brings. Ross's full raspy vocals throw hook after hook as Lex Luger's production engulfs you in a pocket of pure power. The song just makes you feel dominant. After playing that song on repeat for a couple of days, I was hooked and had to dive into the album.
The album opens with "I'm Not a Star," a gritty and powerful track that sets the tone for the rest of the album. Ross's deep, commanding voice booms over the beat, delivering lines like "You n****s ain't living right / Cocaine prices going up, prices on the brick going down." It's an unapologetic declaration of his dominance in the rap game and a warning to those who would try to challenge him.
From there, the album delves into a mix of introspective tracks and bangers. "Free Mason," featuring Jay-Z and John Legend, is a standout, with Ross and Jay-Z trading verses over a haunting beat. The track touches on themes of power, success, and the struggle to maintain one's integrity in the face of temptation and corruption.
Other tracks, like "Tears of Joy" and "Maybach Music III," feature lush, soulful production and introspective lyrics that showcase Ross's range as an artist. "Tears of Joy," featuring CeeLo Green, is particularly moving, with Ross reflecting on his past struggles and the sacrifices he's made to get to where he is today.
But Teflon Don is not just a collection of introspective tracks. There are plenty of bangers to be found here as well, from the Rick James-sampling "Super High" to the hard-hitting "MC Hammer."
Overall, Teflon Don is a stunning achievement that cements Rick Ross's place as one of the most important and influential rappers of our time. The album showcases his unique style and vision, while also highlighting his impressive range as an artist. Whether you're a longtime fan of Ross or a newcomer to his music, Teflon Don is an album that demands to be heard.