We all know that Rick Ross is ‘The Boss’ of the Hip-Hop/Rap game, and if you disagree I guarantee he will find you… and will prove himself through massive chains studded in diamonds, a signature ‘Boss’ beard followed by those dark tinted aviators.
His music included of course. Regardless of your music interests, you’re bound to bob your head to this ‘Boss-tastic’ album. The Boss delivers right in time for warm weather guaranteed to blow down the block when ‘your ceilin’s missin’.
As a hard-core Rick Ross fan, I could not resist the urge to immediately download his new album Mastermind onto my iPhone. I mean, get real people; It’s Rick Ross!
At first glance, I totally digged the album art (Deluxe Edition) and the multi-colored splash of paint behind the animated boss himself. After some in depth research, I discovered the panned out version of the album art of which contains Ross with a gold embellished 007 Bond like gun to his head and graffiti spurting from the wound.
The power of technology these days. Album cover design: now that’s BOSS!
If the album art didn’t get you outrageously influenced, then I guarantee the raw, bass-bumpin’ beats will! (At least it did for me!)
Here’s a track-by-track breakdown of this epic gangsta fairytale from myself to you:
1. Intro- You can’t listen to a Rick Ross record without listening to the infamous ‘Maybach Music’ intro read by Australian super model, Jesse Gomes! (Can you imagine how much bank this chic is making by saying two-words) This track captures the Boss’s success through a radio-like loop of radio hits since his debut album Port of Miami. Nice recap of the Boss at his best.
2. Rich is Gangsta: This track immediately got my attention with the dash of old school’ instrumentation made for driving down the strip with the windows cracked and drop-top down or as rapper 2Chainz would say ‘with muh ceilin’ missin’. The beat immediately had my attention with that classic beat.
3. Drug Dealers Dream- Though I don’t have any experience with drug dealing or dreams of that matter; this song gives you a peep at what one might aspire for. Financial stability and expensive things. Boom.
4. Shots Fired- Not a favorite of mine but a very cliché Ross song with constant gunshot sound effects and rhymes speaking of the real struggle of being a Boss.
5. Nobody- Rapper Diddy speaks his mind about the Rap game and the killing of legendary rapper, Notorious B.I.G, throughout this track. A very heartfelt ode’ to the struggles of being in the limelight as rapper. Evokes deep thought yet still keeps your head movin’.
6. * The Devil is a Lie- The song speaks for itself and happens to be one of my favorite tracks on the album. The classic horns and gospel wails in the background add to the message. And I guarantee you’ll be saying “The devil is a lie but B**** I’m truth” after jammin’ this track. Legendary Ross material.
7. * Mafia Music III- Followers of Ross know that every album contains either a Maybach Music or Mafia Music continuation from a previous album. The reggae twist to this trilogy is epic as his rhymes flow to perfection.
8. War Ready- With an intro of a court sentencing, it appears to send the message that Ross is prepared for the Feds. Come at em bro! He’s even got gunshot effects as a warning.
9. What A Shame- A gangsta take on rapper O.D.B’s classic ‘Shimmy Shimmy Ya’, Ross is pounding the concept of his start status in yo face! A decent beat yet another cliché Ross tune to fill in the blanks.
10. *Supreme- A major whip turning hit with those classic horns followed by a catchy beat and R&B croans. Beautiful or should I say Boss?
11. Blk & Wht- Apparently Ross views his success though being “black and sellin’ white”, a good laugh from that chorus but a very smooth beat follows to let you know it’s legit. True story bro.
12. Dope B**** Skit- Wanna hear a boss a** b**** let you know what makes a Boss? Listen to this skit. Hilarious, yet a guide from a female boss’s point of view.
13. ***In Vein- My FAVORITE song on the album as rising R&B mogul, The Weeknd slows down the gangsta with a masterpiece chorus of the luxuries acquired through the “hustle” of the rap game. Boss status all day.
14. Santified- Another favorite of mine due to the unique gospel intro leading into a completely non-religious message through acquiring large amounts of money. Money is a blessing eh?
15. Walkin’ on Air- Yet another filler track talking about money, girls and cars.
16. Thug Cry- A ballad of the struggle the Boss has went through since his rise to fame. The chorus delivered by Betty Idol, gives that classic spin to Ross’s brand as well as adds catchy flair. Love it!
17. Blessing in Disquise- What better way to announce your blessings then with Motown vocals in the background with a steady beat! Slowed down to perfection for a chill atmosphere.
18. Paradise I got- Ross’s view of the Oceanside (Florida) and the luxurious life he lives with Civil Rights and news excerpts in the intro. Snazzy Jazz flute rips through the track as well as a classic Marvin Gaye “Inner City Blues” like beat. Boss. Just Boss.
19. You Know I got it (Reprise)- Remember that song from Jay-Z’s last album “F***withmeyouknowIgotit”? Well this Reprise contains Ross’s portion of the hit featuring that well known line “I don’t bop, I do the money dance”.
In a magical nutshell, Mastermind proves to be a well-crafted masterpiece for rapper Rick Ross and is guaranteed to keep your head bobbin as well as betwow an aura of pure Boss amongst your ears. On a scale of 1-10, Rick Ross’s Mastermind has thoroughly entertained me with a solid 8.
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