Rick Ross - Children’s Story (Def Jam, 2007)
After hearing Game’s take on Slick Rick’s Children Story, I was reminded of all the rappers who have recreated that song over the years. Obviously Mos Def’s Children’s Story from Black Star is the most recognizable; also, probably the best version that pays homage to the original. However, my favorite Children’s Story tribute may very well be Def Jam’s second Uncle Ricky, Rick Ross himself.
Leading up to Trilla, there was a lot of speculation as to what that album would sound like. Trilla is still arguably my favorite Ross album, but that might be due to the sheer anticipation leading up to the album’s release (and the lack of good rap music in 2008). Ross was displaying sharper lyricism on all of his guest appearances following Port Of Miami, and his beat selection was growing more varied; songs like The Boss rode out with that smooth Yacht Music vibe, while Speedin’ provided a more glossy version of Ricky’s previous singles. The Scarface-theme was still prevalent, but it was obvious Officer Ricky’s producers were running out of 80s pop hits with the aura of Miami in the 80s.
Enter Children’s Story; and if you can imagine, the reaction to this song wasn’t entirely positive. Unlike the other songs that pay tribute to Slick Rick’s magnum opus, Ross’ didn’t follow the guidelines sent by the OG in anyway. The beat itself is merely a slowed-down version of the original, with some added 808s and turntable-scratches. It’s appropriately chunky; the bass pounding where the subtlety of the original’s was once present. If Ross is telling a story to children, they should be promptly removed from his custody.
Despite the lack of relevancy to the original, Ross’ charisma can’t be ignored; he talks about opening a Burger King, at which point Magic Johnson finally takes notice of him. His internal rhyme scheme is very prevalent here; as hypnotizing as Killa Cam’s, but with the fat man charm that Rick Ross brings to every song. The image of Rick Ross caressing his pet tiger with his giant hands is also one that’ll be forever embedded in your memory.
Unfortunately, due to whatever reason (I doubt it’s sampling considering it’s the same label), this never found its way on Trilla.
Gunplay (feat. Waka Flocka Flame) - Rollin’ (Maybach Music, 2011)
I didn’t know this music video existed. Normally, I wouldn’t settle for concert clips compiled together as a music video, but when it comes to two of the most energetic rappers in the game, live footage is one of the only things that do them justice.
This song has already been covered, and I doubt I can really add much to it that my peers haven’t, so I’ll just point out a couple notes and observations from this video.
- NSFW, as there are bare titties present.
- Gunplay is a very scary looking powderhead, especially when he’s swagged out in his Michael Myers jumpsuit.
- Wiz Khalifa is looking more and more like George Jefferson everyday
- Rick Ross’ presumed father looks exactly like an older version of him. Therefore, he looks like Uncle Phil.
- T-Pain is still wearing those steampunk focals.
- Valkyrie coming soon.
Triple C’s - Walking On Water (Maybach Music, 2010)
WE GON RISE ON THE SEVENTH DAY AND BALLLLLL!
This is probably the best song of 2010 that I didn’t hear until 2011. Despite knowing of its existence, reasons that escape me I hadn’t heard this song until Gunplay’s new Inglorious Bastard tape dropped the other day. Saying that, it maybe the best Lex/Rawse collaboration of that year, and it might even contain Ricky’s best verse. Maybe not in written terms, but when the Bawse drops the line Holy Ghost; that’s my Ferrari nigga/once you step on my toes YOU CAN’T SAY SORRY NIGGA I get a case of the chills. That’s one Makavelian (yes, that’s the proper spelling in this case) use of anger here; Ricky’s voice rings like the Lord’s Hisself.
Of course, after that, the other members of Triple C’s chime in, doing well enough, although never outshining Ricky, until Gunplay decides to show up and attack the police on the final verse, calling them a bunch of Porky Pig’s, and then asking to feed the apes. Although not as potent as his CEO’s verse, Gunplay’s short burst of energy and flare put this track over the top as one of the best uses of a Lex Luger beat done to day.
The fact that Ricky found some connection between the biblical and cooked-coke-crack that hasn’t been touched on before is surprising; the fact that he spends the majority of his song finding similarties to Jesus H. Christ is just wonderful.
also, the cover for this single. A beautiful thing.
Gunplay - Inglorious Bastard (Prelude To Valkyrie) (Maybach Music, 2011)
Probably the best tape to drop on January 1st, Gunplay’s prequel of sorts to his upcoming street album, Valkyrie, is Music To Snort To. Like fuckthiscat pointed out before me, I really didn’t wanna like Gunplay due to his powderheaded Debo ways, snorting a mountain of coke on camera then proceeding to get his ass knocked out on his next appearance. Rick Ross’s Waka Flocka is nearly as engaging as the real one though; nearly.
One of the biggest thing Gunplay has going for him is his beat selection, which is greatly improved due to his connection to Officer Ricky and Triple C’s. The Triple C’s album itself had amazing production, and there’s no doubt that this mixtape, which is just a precursor of the real thing coming, has that as well. Gunplay himself is actually a captivating rapper in his own right, playing the hype goon Waka image to Ross’s Gucci-esque CEO image. Honestly, the parralels between these two go way beyond the fact they’re tall, lanky goons-turned-rappers; they’re both bringing that trap-goth/post-crunk hybrid of music to the table. Both are also understatedly great rappers at times, mostly due to their nearly flawless delivery.
Give Gunplay Don Logan (I have no fucking idea) a listen though, and decide for yourself if the guy is worth your time; I’d suggest you start here.
Rick Ross - Ashes To Ashes [MIXTAPE]
Rick Ross - Ashes To Ashes (Maybach Music, 2010)
Officer Ricky strikes once again with the official follow-up to Teflon Don. I’m downloading this as we speak, so I have the right to reserve my opinon for now; I’m expecting something dope, either way. This is Rawse’s third project to drop this year, and like him or not, you can’t fault his grind. Also, 9 Piece is a banger, in spite of (or perhaps in contribution of) how much it sounds like BMF. I don’t know how I feel about Barry White or Aaliyah being featured on two seperate tracks here. Aaliyah’s already been used as a “feature” once this year, and let’s not forget Curtis Mayfield’s controversial inclusion on The Joy. I’m sure they’re smooth, regardless.
Rick Ross (feat. Gucci Mane) - MC Hammer (Maybach Music/Def Jam, 2010)
The song that brought MC Hammer back to (some) relevance gets the visual treatment a little too late, and it unfortunately doesn’t feature Ricky in golden parachute pants. At least they included the dancers? One thing that’s kinda funny about this video is how much energy Ross exhibits by bouncing around for most of the four minutes, while his smaller (yet still pot-bellied) feature kinda just stands there. If I ever had a complaint about Gucci (and I never really have), it’d probably be the lack of emotion he shows in person compared to the amount of charisma and passion that’s heard on his records. I guess it goes back to what I’ve said many times before, in that the Gucci Mane character is far different than Radric Davis as a man. He may also be sober here (although if his recent arrest is any evidence, probably not).
Rick Ross - I’m Not A Star (Maybach Music/Def Jam, 2010)
The biggest banger from Teflon Don that wasn’t produced by Lex Luger, the Justice League-helmed I’m Not A Star gets the visual treatment. The tradition of tattoo artists in Rick Ross’ videos is still going strong. What’s with that anyway? Also, beware of the man tits if you’re one of those people who’re like “OMG FAT GUI LOLZ!”
Am I my brother’s keeper? MOTHERFUCKER TAKE MY HAND
Rick Ross (feat. Drake & Chrisette Michele) - Aston Martin Music (Def Jam, 2010)
The latest single from Rick Ross’s Teflon Don, and one of my personal favorites. They tacked on Drake’s Paris Morton Music verse on the end as well - the video is supposed to have an underlying story (I guess of Officer Ricky loving a girl when he was younger, whose father owned an Aston, but wouldn’t let them be together? So he came back with an Aston and picked her up? Okay, sure), but fuck that, it’s smooth and features a couple dozen cars we’ll never be able to afford. It’s that Yacht music that’s become so popular in the last three years or so at its finest.
T.I. isn’t a rapper I cover often on on Rush To The Yayo, for a gang of reasons that probably aren’t very obvious. I’m not mad at T.I. because he can’t rap well; he’s one of the best rappers alive in any medium, at least from a technical perspective. I don’t dislike him because he’s most likely a Condidential Informant; who cares if he’s a snitch? Same story with Ross and his CO past, it’s not about their lives, it’s about their music. It’s not because he’s left the trap behind him, although I think that King and the three albums predating it are easily the highlights of his career, and come from a time where I would’ve said with great pride that T.I. was my favorite rapper. He just doesn’t have a very good ear for beats anymore, and keeps making pop records that I never thought he’d conform to 4 years ago when he was at the pinacle of his popularity.
When I saw this horribly titled song today, I almost didn’t check it, but the Justice League production and prospect of a funny Rick Ross verse were enough to win over my curiousity. This sing is actually really fucking good; the beat bangs, and T.I.’s far more interesting when he’s boasting about how great he is without Keri Hilson on the hook, and Polow Da Don on the beat. Rick Ross drops a decent guest verse, but can’t show up the King on this track. Although I’m still not excited about King Uncaged, this track shows me that maybe there’s still a chance it’ll be salvagable.
