3.0
- Release date:
- March 11, 2008
- Artist/Band name:
- Rick Ross
- Record label:
- Def Jam
- Official Web Site:
- http://www.rickrosstrilla.com/
Why you should care: Dropping his debut at the rip old age of 29, big, bearded Rick Ross seemed an unlikely choice to be the next major MC on the block. But with a strong co-sign from fellow Miamian and Slip-N-Slide Records labelmate Trick Daddy, and a knack for telling cinematic tales of cash, cars and cocaine that sounded scarily believable, Ross was quickly able to establish himself as one of the major players in the game.
Verdict: On “Trilla,” Ross essentially picks up where he left off and doesn’t veer far from his core themes of money, drugs and repping the MIA. But the conviction that echoes from his deep baritone inspires a near-perfect visualization of the Miami thug life that keeps you enthralled track after track. Favoring vintage sounds from producers such as Mannie Fresh, JR Rotem and J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League, and stacking the deck with winning collaborations from a cadre of hip-hop heavyweights (Jay-Z, T-Pain, R. Kelly, Nelly, Lil’ Wayne, Young Jeezy, Trick Daddy and others), Ross creates a substantial hip-hop album that actually improves with each listen, a rare feat in today’s mainstream milieu.
X-Factor: In what could be an industry first, Ross’ “Trilla” collab with chorus-singing mainstay Akon was actually dropped from the final product. Could an era of Akon-free hooks be close at hand?
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