Rick Ross’ Hustle and Flow
Miami’s Rick Ross works the streets—again—on his new album, Trilla.
Rick Ross provided the soundtrack to the summer of 2006 with his smash, “Hustlin’,” turning a simple jam about slangin’ rock into an anthem for dealers and suburban brats alike. Though now tasked with following up Port of Miami, his platinum-selling debut, the hip-hop phenom isn’t feeling the heat.
Do you feel compelled to prove you’re more than a one-hit wonder?
Nah, I just want to expand and grow. I definitely talk for the hustlers, but there’s more to it.
And you’re ready to show that off?
That’s what Trilla gonna be. On Ready to Die, a lot of people ain’t know how good of a rapper Biggie was. On Reasonable Doubt, a lot of people ain’t know that Jay was gonna be the greatest. I know the game. I’m gonna keep going city to city with 80 chains on, repping the hood, repping the ghetto, repping the projects.
How was making this album different than making the last?
On Port of Miami, I had beats sent to me. It made a difference to sit down with the producers, give them ideas, and have them structure the tracks around my vibe. We just grinding, man. Everything good out here in the streets.
You got Jay-Z to collaborate on “Maybach Music.” Are you two a formidable pair?
It’s like Michael Jackson and Paul McCartney fightin’. It’s one of those records that’s gonna be remembered for all time. It won’t even do it no justice trying to describe it.
You and Frank Gore of the 49ers opened a restaurant called the Hip Hop Grub Spot. What’s on the menu?
It’s really just bringing another opportunity to the hood, turning a vacant building into a spot where people can get jobs. It got plasmas, X-Boxes, PlayStations. Go there and eat a Rick Ross Boss Burger—it’s that kind of vibe.
What’s on the Rick Ross Boss Burger?
A flame-broiled beef patty, BBQ sauce, and all that. It’s something you gotta try.
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