Customer Reviews

Deeper Than Rap (Clean)

5 star:		(32)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(8)

 

 

There's a part towards the end of Trilla (Rick Ross` last album) where Ross has three tracks in a row that present a departure from his standard, Miami bass, trunk rattling sound. The three tracks (Maybach Music, Luxury Tax & Billionnaire) helmed principally by J.U.S.T.I.C.E League presented a more soulful side of Rick Ross. More sample driven and laid back than his hustling anthems and not hurt one bit by some ridiculous guest verses from Lil Wayne, Jay-Z and company. Needless to say, they ended up being the best tracks on the CD.

It must have occurred to Rick Ross that he could make an entire album with `Maybach Music' type tracks, which I believe was a stroke of genius. On Deeper Than Rap, he sticks to the same Drugs, Money and women script but against the backdrop of the nostalgic, soulful and laidback beats, it sounds fresh and almost appropriate. In much the same way that Jay-Z's `American Gangster' sounded so inspired even though it presented nothing new. Unfortunately, in much the same way that `American Gangster' had no obvious singles, `Deeper Than Rap' has very few radio ready joints which means that it will under achieve in the sales department.

The laid back beats really allow him to shine and nowhere is this more evident than on the opener, `Mafia Music' which features a 4 minute chorus free rant from Rick Ross where he even takes jabs at 50 Cent. On `Yacht Club' his raps about swimming in the ocean with a fine lady with his seaside palace in view are almost believable. Every once in awhile Ross gets personal, the emotion is apparent in the autobiographical `Valley of Death', on there he even touches on the CO rumours that nearly destroyed his career (at least his credibility). On `Rich of Cocaine' he raps

Vacation to Haiti
It nearly broke my heart
Seein' kids starve I thought about my Audemar
Sellin dope ain't right

Nothing special about the lyrics but its delivered with a sincerity that makes you wish that makes you wish he could dedicate more time (rhymes) to issues outside himself and his wealth.

To his credit, his only attempts at radio come in the Robin Thicke, The Dream & Ne-Yo assisted tracks. Even here the sound is more polished and sophisticated and less street oriented compared to his previous singles. Especially on the Robin Thicke & Ne-Yo tracks which work really well and are reminiscent of Usher's works with T.I. on Paper Trail. The streets are catered for on the Duet with Trina where Ross and The Baddest B***h trade rhymes on...you can probably guess.

Overall RR has managed to produce an album that the 30 something's such as myself can bump, a clever move since we tend to be less swayed by disparaging smoking gun reports as long as the music is good.

Witnessing the evolution of Rick Ross from Port of Miami to Trilla to Deeper than Rap has truly been a pleasurable experience. Sure he still raps about making money, drug deals, and women, but his lyrical content has evolved by leaps and bounds since he first hit the scene. Oddly, enough, his lyrical content takes a backseat to the near flawless production. You can actually bump this CD from beginning to end. The production done by Justice L.E.A.G.U.E. and Incrediblez are instant bangers. Overall Rick did what he needed to do to silence critics and put all the pressure on 50 Cent with his anticipated release of "Before I Self Destuct." 50 has put out some subpar albums since he first hit the scene, it will be interesting to see how he counters Ross, because Ross has officially staked claim at Album of 2009 with Deeper than Rap. Go Cop It!

I am glad to say that Rick Ross hits a home run with this album. Deeper than rap is a future classic and is hands down one of the best albums of this year. The production is great and it is really a album you must listen to. This 50 cent and Rick Ross beef has no relation to his album just because you see 50 cent bringing in his baby momma and putting out videos of his past doesn't mean his album is garbage. Every track has great lyrics and are all catchy songs. If i had to choose a favorite track it will definitely usual suspects Nas kills Ross but rick Ross has never been a bad rapper so he does his thing in the track but usual suspects is my favorite song and i definitely recommend you to get his album.

The boss came back with "Deeper than Rap". I took notice of Rick Ross with his sophomore cd which is very good btw. DTR is a strong album, filled with great beats provided specially by the Justice League Crew and there's a colaboration with Nas - "usual suspects" - which is one of the best songs of the year!!!Well done Ross!!

Oh yeah, the DVD is interesting, showing backstage images, videos, Ross threatening 50 & G-Unit...

I'm really proud of Ricky Ross right now. This is a fantastic gangsta rap album with top-notch production and awesome guest appearances. I can't stop playing it. Maybach Music 2 features brilliant spitting from Kanye, Ross, and Weezy plus an absolutely sick hook from T-Pain. On Usual Suspects, the great Nas raps his heart out while RR does a pretty good job of keeping up. The Boss teams with Foxy Brown on Murda Mami and Trina on Face while firing heavy shots at G-Unit on Mafia Music, Valley of Death, and In Cold Blood. I could keep on going but you see where I'm coming from. Deeper Than Rap is a must have for real rap fans. Forget about the man's past. This cat is talented. Don't sleep on this one. BOSS!!!

I'll admit that when Rick Ross first came out I wasnt checking for him. I hated his first LP but still gave him a chance with Trilla. That album was a little better but this time around he did a complete about face. First thing was taking the laid back songs from Trilla was the most clever idea since Guru(RIP)'s Jazzmatazz. Second is that his flow has improved a lot and he is beginning to sound like he put effort into his raps. Sure he doesnt say much but his songs are pretty good for the most part.

The Good: There are plenty of song to like on here: his first sing Mafia Music is excellent and Maybach Music 2 feat Lil Wayne and Kanye West is tight too. I like Usual Suspects but Nas's verse(while tight) seems out of place on that track. The commercial singles like All I Really Want feat The Dream and Magnificent feat John Legend are great too. Yacht Club feat Magazeen is one of those tracks you can kick back and listen to. I like Valley Of Death but his cheap shot at Trick Daddy was kind of low. I understand they have beef but you can diss the man without mentioning his health condition.

The bad and the ugly: Singers should get a license to sing just like drivers get a license to drive and have somebody revoke Robin Thicke's license because his vocals on the already terrible Lay back were awful. I wonder do people realize that he blatently bites El Debarge and D'Angelo style of singing? Bossy Lady with Neyo is is better than Lay back but it still is weak and Face feat Trina sucks!

In conclusion Rick Ross's Deeper Than Rap is one of the best albums of 2009 and is Rick Ross's best release(unless he tops it with his next album). The beats are nice, the lyrics are sharp and most of the guests did a good job. Two thumbs up.

Tracks to look out for: Mafia Music, Maybach Music 2, Yacht Club, Magnificent, Gunplay, Valley Of Death and In Cold Blood.

Aside from the usual+50 content, Ross' flow is nyce. But the Album Production, is absolutely top notch, definitely a quality piece with plenty of depth.

This is a fantastic hiphop gem that bangs in the whip, in the clubs, and while you are just chilling in the crib. Great Release!!!

As a first time buyer of a Rick Ross CD (I always listen to NY hip-hop such as Wu-Tang, and Chi-Town emcees like Common), I first bought this CD because I heard really good things about it, and I never actually took Ross to be a lyrical rapper, but I was dead wrong. Rick Ross has exceptional lyrics and can sometimes even outrhyme his guest appearances, especially with his flow. This is an absolutely AWESOME album, and anybody giving it a 1 star review is just an angry 50 cent fan feeding into the publicized beef. This album deserves no less than 4 stars, and this review is coming from somebody who owns over 200 authentic Hip-Hop albums. I strongly believe this album is a future classic, and its production is ahead of its time.

I think this is rick ross's biggest album so far and he shows his versatility by showing how he can calb with a nas and hold his own.50 had
better step his game up for real because rick ross has all of 50 enemies on his team as well.50 is fake and he is getting exposed.I knew 50 was garbage and his upcoming album will show that.