Artist: Rick Ross

Album: Deeper Than Rap

Label: Maybach Music/Def Jam

Approximately a year after the release of ‘Trilla,’ the Boss of Miami returns with his third most anticipated album ‘Deeper Than Rap.’ This album has been buzzing in the streets and the industry even before the controversy started between Ross and 50. Towards the end of 2008 the hype surrounding the content and the sound of the album was the main topic of discussion for fans and media outlets alike. The title alone sets apart the sequence of things to come on this soon to be classic album to be later set in stone. Rick Ross’ third LP is his first to be released under his own imprint Maybach Music Group.

Even the previous track leaks that have surfaced upon the net were evidence enough that the album had a powerful sound behind an arsenal of pivotal lyricism. Ross once stated that this next LP will shatter records and oversell that of 50’s debut ‘Get Rich or Die Tryin.’ To be real, it would be a mission and a shot in the dark to surpass the sales that album collected during its reign, especially with the beats that the Doctor has enveloped into the album. Either way, ‘Deeper Than Rap’ is in a league of its own, J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League to be exact. That heavyweight production team has incorporated practically 40% of the album alongside another set of heavyweights who have been with him from the start, The Runners. With a collection of distinguished beats, the derivative behind the title of the album goes without saying. In addition to the sound and the lyricism, he also has put together an all star cast to feature on this album.

The sequel to ‘Maybach Music’ adds a certain flare to the album with the talents of Kanye West, Lil Wayne, and T-Pain. Honestly, it is a farcry from the original as I still prefer the first one with Hov. J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League graces the production a second go around, however, this time with assistance from Ye. T-Pain adds his vocal talents to the chorus providing that perfect blend.

The lead single off the album includes the soulful sounds of John Legend on the track entitled ‘Magnificent.’ Another J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League production score is the main reason why the record has such a smooth melodic feel. Ross describes a suburb life through his detailing lyrics. He gives you an idea how great life must be living though his eyes with all the money around him.

From one legend to another, Ross was able to acquire the Queensbridge icon to grace the track ‘Usual Suspects.’ Nas provides his lyrical content to that of Ross on this exceptional track, quite possibly one of my favorites amongst others. The Inkredibles’ production provides that Ross signature style that we are all use to. It is the second official single. Be on the lookout for the video with the grand appearance of Esco himself.

Ross gives another great lyrical description with the interestingly blatant track ‘Rich Off Cocaine.’ On the real, M.I.Yayo is where it’s at. What better than give it to the fans real, I mean they get it how they live it. The hustle and the grind explains it all, “Miami Nights” is how he’s living the life. Avery Storm, who we heard from last album on the track ‘Here I Am,’ Ross has recruited him once again to provide that soulful delivery atop a real soothing J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League original sound. I got to give this record its props; Ross did it with this one.

Triple C alum Gunplay adds his lyrical talent to a track that carries his moniker with the title ‘Gunplay.’ Ross lets loose his lethal enforcer on the track to add flare to the hook and his own creative flow. The Inkredibles incorporate their sound into this track as well, providing yet another hit.

Quite possibly the two most pivotal tracks on the album are the ones he kept for last. The lyrical content on both ‘Valley of Death’ and ‘In Cold Blood’ is the Ross style that is reminiscent to that of the Ross we are all use to. He has always been known to be quite descriptive and blunt with his lyrics, but he went deeper on those two. ‘In Cold Blood’ is a direct diss towards 50, listen close it’s all there on record. Knowing Ross, the video to this song will explain it all. A-Town native, DJ Toomp, adds his magic touches to ‘Valley of Death,’ while The Runners incorporated their signature sound to ‘In Cold Blood.’

All in all, Ross has always amazed me with his diverse lyrical content and delivery regardless of the beat that he’s on, that has never been a question. However, I think he strayed a little too far from the Miami sound that he once incorporated into his first two albums. The production sound is increasingly more mature than that of ‘Trilla’ and ‘Port of Miami,’ so you must admit it worked out in his favor. Either way, ‘Deeper Than Rap’ is something you need to cop if you’re looking to get a different side of Ross.

Other notable tracks: ‘Mafia Music,’ ‘Yacht Club,’ ‘Bossy Lady,’ and ‘Face’