In the long line of artists who have attempted to master the brand of ‘mafioso rap’ Rick Ross has been one of the few to do it with such conviction. Even after a beef with 50 Cent (which led to much dirty laundry being aired), the Boss/Baws has still stood tall in the rap kingdom, notably down to a ‘never bow down’ mentality as well as the emphatic Deeper Than Rap album. With Diddy now managing his affairs and his Teflon Don project still in preparation, Rick Ross offers a up quick fix for the Maybach lovers on the The Albert Anastasia EP.
Ross’ cuban cigar swagger gets into full swing once we’ve got past a very typical Diddy intro filled with his signature “We can’t stop” and “Take that, take that” rhetoric from over a decade ago. The first track “MC Hammer” rings off hard with a sick bass and blaring beat (even though the MC Hammer metaphor used is so-so) which really sets the EP alight from early.
It’s straight bangers from there on; Rick Ross proves he is the top dog when it comes to doing the crunkard, weighty tracks which has now become way overused. On the thunderous “Money Maker” Ross adds further weight to the heavy production with no holds barred verses, further solidifying his status as one of the hardest in the hood.
The early stages of Albert Anastasia are made up of aggressive, powerful tracks which Rick Ross has now mastered. Teaming up with Styles P on “Blowin’ Money Fast” the two provide another highlight for the EP, and “Fire Hazard” continues with the proven formula that crime pays. But what he’s also been able to do is create the high flying, champagne flowing cuts which provides an equal balance to the testosterone fuelled tracks which dominate. Teaming up once again with John Legend, “Sweet Life” is a toast to his achievements as top boss whilst the even more impressive “Super High” featuring Ne-Yo is a slick ’70s throwback.
The anticipation for The Teflon Don only increases after hearing Albert Anastasia. It sounds off as an indication that Rick Ross is on top of the Criminal Rap empire with huge bars and beats to match any comer. Whilst he may not be the most lyrical, what he delivers is the almost-perfect package of emphatic production and slow but hard hitting delivery which will leave its imprint on any street corner it’s played from.
Doing what 50 Cent hasn’t done convincingly for a while now – Ross brings both the hardcore and the smooth for all comers and with Diddy now managing his endeavours, expect the Baws to revel in the spotlight which he undoubtedly is destined for.
–Henry Yanney