Rick Ross, better known these
days as Ricky Rozay (due to the “real” Rick Ross’ lawsuit situation),has a new
installment to offer- "Teflon Don." Ross has had a lot of personal
attacks since the last album. He's gathered himself nicely after the
corrections officer debacle, feuds with 50 Cent and a whole new twist on baby
mama drama...especially when 50 enlisted Ross’ to aid in the feud. In spite of
it all, Mr.Rozay has stayed busy. He's had mixtapes and quite a few notable
remixes to keep things buzzing; to now, the moment we’ve been waiting on. Can
he deliver under all the hype and scrutiny? I took the time to really go in and
listen as if I’d never heard of this dude- with fresh ears. I listened to what
it is and not what it’s supposed to be. Can "Teflon Don" be
considered to be "The Classic," fulfilling the marketing plan that's
been built up by the "machine?" I’m going In...
The album starts with “I’m Not
a Star,” which is a perfect intro track. The beat grabs you instantly, The
J.U.S.T.I.C.E League nails that trap-heavy sound, which is ever so popular
these days. Ross goes in on the life, and comfortably steps in the shoes of the
man figuring he deserves the crown. He asks the question how could he not be a
star, in a don’t you see it kind of way. This track doesn’t disappoint. S.
Carter makes a guest appearance on the Inkredibles-produced “Free Mason”, Ross
goes in first, and it’s what you’d expect. Honestly, before I heard it, the
buzz was OMG, Jay killed it, Jay killed it. I agree. I mean, Jay’s verse is
clearly the highlight of the song. John Legend on the hook, brings that vibe he
brings well, but clearly. The whole song drifts in the fog of Jay’s verse.
The heartfelt soulful feel of
“Tears of Joy” featuring Cee-Lo, goes left of Rozaaay’s usual demeanor. The
vulnerability, self-spokeness and the reflective approach is fresh. No-Id crafts
the sound nicely. From a production standpoint, the J.U.S.T.I.C.E League's
newest installment of the collection, "Maybach Music 3," sounds more
like a movie score than your typical beat-smith cooking. This beat is amazing.
Tip’s verse doesn’t disappoint, and Jadakiss was a very nice addition to this one.
What more needs to be said about that? Erykah Badu fits in perfectly. Ross does
his thing on this one, but the beat is the star.
Next, the Kanye West and No
Id produced “Live Fast and Die Young” has a reminiscent sound or so from the
"College Dropout" days. This one sounds dated, and doesn’t add
anything to the aura of the album. But with that said, it’s one of those that
has to grow on you. Ross does his floss and bigger than life wordplay, and
Kanye, along with the beat, sound dated. I’m not sure who wins with this one.
Maybe No Id, because if you didn’t know it, you wouldn’t know he was a
contributor. Up next, Clark Kent and Remedy produce an easy head nod from start
to finish. Ross doesn’t disappoint and does him, the way he does him. Ne-Yo
brings the sleek smoothness you would expect. Lastly, Don Cannon adds some
turntable skills to make this track a clear stand out.
Diddy and Trey Songz aid the
Boss on the Danja produced “#1.” This one is the epitome of a shoulder shrug. This
song doesn’t do it for me, but the vibe is good. Moving on, “M.C. Hammer,” produced
by Lex Luger, wakes you up if you dosed off from the last track. With that
heavy, you know something’s coming intro with 808’s and snare rolls blaring
after. Honestly, all Ross has to do is show up for this one. Ross does his
thing, “My gun dirty/my brick clean/ I’m riding dirty/my dick clean/ she talk
dirty/but her mouth clean/ bitch, I’m M.C. Hammer, I’m about cream." Gucci
Mane aids Ross on this one. This is one Ross clearly wins.
If it ain’t broke don’t fix
it, if you think you just heard this song. Kinda sorta, The “BMF” produced by
Lex Luger joint bares a similar comparison, to say the least, to the last song.
But honestly, this one is better. I mean, twitter etc, etc. Everybody thinks
they're somebody due to the infectious hook. “I think I’m Big Meech, Larry
Hoover/ whipping work (hallelujah). This joint doesn’t disappoint at all. Then
to add the Ghost, Styles P aids nicely to the allure of this track. Everybody
wins on this one. The J.U.S.T.I.C.E League comes again with a nicely crafted
production for “Aston Martin Music," more of a sporty, polo clubbish feel,
if you will. Collaborations include the other man of the hour, Drake, as he
croons. Chrisette Michelle delivers another nostalgic feel to improve the sound
greatly. Ross does what you would expect; paint a picture of the life, and him
being of it.
Aghhh, the closer “All the
Money in The World” produced by The Olympicks serve up a Jeezy-ish track,
featuring Raphael Saadiq. Now on paper, I was wondering how this was going to
play out. It didn’t, merely how I expected. Saadiq on a hook? And this is what
we get? Ross spits tales about the upbringing of a young Rozaaay, his hardships
and how he became to be today. This is one of those, fuck it I’m rich moments
it seems. The beat doesn’t disappoint, but the hook on the other hand. And Ross’,
debut singing. The beat wins this one, easy money.
Over all, "Teflon
Don" by Rick Ross has a decent sound. Though similar at times, but it’s
not bad. Clearly, "Maybach Music 3" and "BMF" are the
standouts. And the others serve as fillers. For me, I kinda wish the whole
thing, other than "BMF" was produced by the J.U.S.T.I.C.E League.
They seem to bring the best out of Ricky. Now the “C” word, what do you
consider a classic, likeability or the product? Many would say considering the
quality of what else is out. Oh yeah, this has to be. Others would say nope
flat out. I think Ross did his thing; it’s pretty much what you thought it was
going to be without listening to it, I think of Ross. I think beats first,
honestly. Though the subject matter grew a tad, things are pretty much the
same. Other than the two standouts and “Tears of Joy“ and “Super High,” I think
the others will be quickly forgotten. Still, "Teflon Don" is a decent
pick up.
out of 5
Maybach 62’s(Rozaaaaaay!!)
0 comments: