J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League talks Rick Ross' "God Forgives, I Don't"

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

When he first arrived in the game, Rick Ross declared he was the boss. While his music was popular, in the South, many argued Ross was not even the biggest figure in Miami. Trick Daddy still held the title, but not for much longer. Rick Ross established his position in the game with 2008's Trilla.

In 2009, Rick Ross made a gutsy move when he dissed 50 Cent, the bully of the hip hop game. 50 Cent was primarily known, in the beef arena, for ending Ja Rule's career. When 50 Cent began dissing Ja Rule, he was the biggest rapper in the game. Rick Ross still went at 50 Cent and ended up winning the beef.

Two years later, Rick Ross is now seen as the boss of the rap game, getting just as much radio play as Lil Wayne. Last year, Ross had a number of hits. His most-known was "B.M.F.," last summer, which sparked a beef with Young Jeezy. The J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League, who produced his Drake-assisted crossover hit, "Aston Martin Music," are producing for this album.

The duo discussed Rick Ross' God Forgives, I Don't album, saying many feel as if Rick Ross has already reached his peak. For those who think they have figured out Rick Ross' overall sound and style, the production duo said Rick Ross is just getting started. After this, J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League says artists in the game will be chasing them for the new Rick Ross sound.

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Can Rick Ross ascend to true "Boss" status?

By Hardcore Critic
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

If confidence could translate into record sales, Rick Ross would have broken Thriller's record on his first mixtape. Rick Ross released his debut album, in 2006, and boldly called himself the boss. His Trilla album featured his breakout single, "The Boss."

Over a short period of time, Rick Ross has risen to become one of the biggest names in rap. In 2011, Rick Ross has been the most-popular rapper, without even releasing any music of his own. His collaborations have been enough to keep him out there.

Rick Ross had a similarly dominating year, last year. His album of the year, Teflon Don, only went gold, but his two singles, "B.M.F." and "Aston Martin Music," were immensely popular. This year, when Ross releases God Forgives, I Don't, he said he will officially take over the game.

On the collaborative side of things, Rick Ross has already replaced Lil Wayne. But, his own solo work has yet to match his popularity, sales-wise. Last year, Rick Ross boldly predicted Teflon Don would break the 10 million mark in sales. This year, Rick Ross is not predicting sales, but he promised his new album would turn him into hip hop's go-to guy.

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Drake speaks on "Take Care" conception, "Watch the Throne," and Possible Projects with Lil Wayne and Rick Ross

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Time is winding down for Drake and his sophomore album, Take Care. Recently, the Young Money rapper discussed his upcoming project with Entertainment Weekly. During the interview, Drake discussed how weird it is that fans want a new project only one year after his debut.

Giving the fans what they want, Drake said he is drawing inspiration from his experiences since his debut album released. Among the people Drake is working with on his album is Stevie Wonder. This, obviously, is the biggest collaboration of his career. Working with the legend will only show Drake's growth.

Aside from his own album, Drake admitted he did enjoy Watch the Throne, despite his verse on "It's Good." When asked about the marketing of Watch the Throne, Drake said he does not think Jay-Z would have allowed a digital release of his own solo album. Nor does Drake believe Jay-Z would have allowed listeners for his own solo album.

Excited about his own project, Drake has been working very closely with Lil Wayne. Last year, the duo announced they would be putting together a collaborative album. Before they had the chance to record, though, Jay-Z and Kanye West announced Watch the Throne. Drake sent light jabs towards the duo, before showing love. Even though a year has passed, Drake said the project with Lil Wayne is still on the way.

Drake also said he will likely join Rick Ross in the studio for their own collaborative project. This year, the two have recorded several songs together. Last year, Drake and Rick Ross teamed up for "Aston Martin Music." Earlier this year, the two collaborated on "Made Men." The chemistry between the two, from a musical standpoint, is there and Drake said he would not mind doing music with him.

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HHV Valentine's Day 2011: Rick Ross - "Aston Martin Music"

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Rick Ross warns Chrisette Michele

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Last month, Rick Ross walked out during the Soul Train Awards right before his performance. Ross was supposed to perform his hit single, "Aston Martin Music." But, after he lost the award for Best Rap Song, Rick Ross angrily left and his collaborator, Chrisette Michele felt he left because he did not win the award.

Not long after she made the statement, Michele took it back to avoid causing controversy. In 2009, Rick Ross admitted that he had beef with Eminem. Many assumed he was trying to reignite this beef through the award show. But, Rick Ross assured fans he no longer had issues with Eminem and said he did not like the way they wanted him to perform his song.

A few weeks after speaking on his reasoning, Rick Ross decided to address Chrisette Michele and what she had to say. While he admitted, they have yet to talk personally, Rick Ross did admit that her comments hurt. First off, the Miami rapper said she was not even invited to perform on stage. Ross said the next time he sees her, he may have some negative things to say about her, but he hopes one day they will win a Grammy because of this song and he hopes she will be standing beside him to accept it.

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Rick Ross named Man of the Year by The Source

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

The year of 2010 has been great for Rick Ross, as he has dominated for most of the year. Ross had a very high-profile feud with 50 Cent last year and emerged on top. When the new year came, he released a very popular mixtape, followed by a very popular album.

Even as the year comes to a close, Teflon Don is still being played in cars all around the United States. Currently, his "Aston Martin Music" single is blowing up airwaves. Early in the year, Drake was popular and it definitely helped Rick Ross with his sales. The song has been well-received, but the source of controversy.

During the Soul Train Awards, Rick Ross refused to perform the song and many assumed it was because he did not win Rap Song of the Year. But, Ross later revealed it was because he did not have any input into how he was going to perform the song he created. Because of that, not because of any type of beef with Eminem, is why Rick Ross did not perform his song.

Through his ups and downs, 2010 has been the best year in Rick Ross' career so far. The Source magazine has taken notice and they have made him 2010's Man of the Year. As far as hip hop publications go, The Source is the most-respected publication in the history of hip hop. A few years ago, they were having trouble, but they have regained a lot of their prior respect and the issue was helmed by former XXL editor, Bonsu Thompson.

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Rick Ross denies Eminem beef

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Rick Ross' abrupt departure from the Soul Train Awards has made news all over the internet. There were rumors of Ross being upset because Eminem won the award for Best Hip Hop Song. He was set to perform "Aston Martin Music," but he left Chrisette Michele hanging.

Michele, Ross' label-mate at Def Jam, was highly upset following his departure. She angrily said that Rick Ross was acting very immature and that he should roll with the punches. To avoid a possible beef with Ricky, she changed her tone, but said he could have handled the issue better.

There have been many rumors about what led to Rick Ross leaving the Soul Train Awards. Most rumors pointed to Ross wanting to re-ignite the feud with Eminem. Now, Rick Ross has broken his silence, saying he was upset because he had no say in how to perform his own song. After putting together an excellent show at the BET Hip Hop Awards, Rick Ross was sure Soul Train would let him be creative.

However, when he went to rehearse, they had their own plan laid out. Because he could not change their minds, Rick Ross decided he would not perform his song for the crowd.

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Rick Ross protests Soul Train Awards over Eminem defeat

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

The summer of 2010 was big for Rick Ross, he released his first gold album with Teflon Don. Aside from that big achievement, he posted a summer anthem with "B.M.F." featuring Styles P. Eminem also scored an anthem with "Love The Way You Lie" featuring Rihanna.

At the Soul Train Awards, both rappers were nominated for the "Best Hip Hop Song" award. Rick Ross was also scheduled to perform "Aston Martin Music." Ross felt he should win the award and when he did not, he left in the middle of the ceremony. Last year, Rick Ross engaged in a slight beef with Eminem.

Chrisette Michele, Ross' collaborator for "Aston Martin Music," was excited about the performance and upset when Ross walked off. She vented, but later retracted her statement about Rick Ross being immature. She said she understands what an award means to people and how much it must have hurt her "Aston Martin Music" collaborator to lose.

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