Customer Reviews

Rise to Power

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I purchased this hoping to hear the Rick Ross I'm used to. This is quite different being it's from his suave house days. It's an ok album with a few stand out tracks. I prefer the souled out officer Ricky stuff but this is worth adding to your collection.

First off, Rick Ross' major LP, 'Port Of Miami', was a good effort led by the thumpin' single "Hustlin'." It was a new sound in hip-hop that complemented his alpha-hustler self-conception. "Push It" was another hit that sampled one of the 'Scarface' theme songs "Push It to the Limit." After that, promotional activity and airplay slowly crept downward almost as if Def Jam lost interest in keeping a force like Ross rolling.

In retrospect, 'Port Of Miami' was above-par but I still managed to feel like I wasn't hearing the Real Ross. It sounded like 'Port Of Miami' was trying to be too "mainstream" [sell records] and I could see the hands of Def Jam molding the LP instead of Ross truly taking 100% creative-control. This is the main point I'm trying to make in that 'Rise to Power,' though flawed, is a much more solid effort. If you take a step back and disregard some B-list production/too many forgetable guest appearences, you will hear the hunger in his voice. I understand the move from Def Jam to Suavehouse because I can hear the difference in music and can tell it is Ross' true sound. His flow and lyrics sound much more genuine and heart-felt than 'Rise to Powers' predecessor.

Simply, I feel like I'm hearing the untamed side of Ross that was missing in 'Port Of Miami.' The CD at least deserves a listen so you can hear the difference in music. Standout tracks include: It's On / Hold Me Down / Street Love / Bird Bath / B.L.O.W. / Simple & Plain / Dear Lord.

rick ross is back at it taling you more raps about how he came up by slinging rocks to the po nappy heads from the hood.

This production here kicks all 50 Cent's albums down the toilet!! This machine might had been a PO but sure lived the streets and did it big time out there- Now musically he's killin it! Stay back and watch Mr. Ross set a new mark in the game!!!

Rise to PowerAs a 51 year old white, conservative (Republican) male I had almost no interest in the hip-hop movement or music. In fact, I found it to be quite irritating when young kids would pull up next to me at a traffic light and blast rap music so loud I couldn't hear myself think. So what changed my mind and why is this old white guy writing a review of Rick Ross's CD "Rise to Power?"
Essentially, Rick Ross took me to church, first with the lyrics and then with the music!! I feel totally unqualified to review this CD, the artist or the music. Nevertheless, I feel compelled to share the impact it has had on me. Why? Because you don't have to black to "rise to power." The power Rick gave me was truth and understanding about two very diverse cultures in America that are becoming increasingly more diverse from the misconceptions and fear. I can now see how America will destroy itself (as all powerful nations in history), from within. America's downfall will be a total failure to confront and overcome racism and the resulting discrimination that comes from racism. Are you white? Open your heart and mind and listen to the power of understanding that is in Rick's lyrics. Are you a Christian? Confront the truth of Rick's wisdom about corporate America and what it means to be a black man in America (did I say Rick's wisdom?.....not even Soloman is that wise, so those of you who know what truth is, listen for the power of the Word in these lyrics). Not sure who to vote for? Now is the time to put a black man in the White House. One who can save our nation with the power of integrity and truth (from within and with our foreign neighbors). We need the kind of power that comes from understanding instead of the disease that comes from fear (remember the color codes from Att Gen Ashcroft?.....I wonder why they used "color codes" anyway). We need the kind of power that comes from respect, for other Americans and for other religions and for other nations. We spend billions of dollars as Americans traveling to foreign countries to experience different cultures........when the most exciting culture in the world is right here in our own backyards.....the black American culture is so exciting, so righteous, so powerful, that it is overtaking the hearts and minds of kids in every country around the world......I hope you don't miss out......Rise to Power (Is 40:23-31).

This album is better than you think, check out "B.L.O.W." with Pusha T of Clipse and "Street Love" featuring T-Low of Next!

Both tracks are official, you won't be disappointed