"Teflon Don" Review

Rick Ross isn't in my top 10 as far as emcees go in the game right now but I would put him in the top 15 that's just me though, others however love his style and laud him as one of the best rappers out right now and that's fine with me 'cause I respect everybody's opinions and realize we all have different tastes. Prejudices aside, I did take a fairly objective view towards his latest release: Teflon Don

Since his hit single “Hustlin’” came out in 2006, Rick Ross has become a heavyweight in the hip-hop game (much to the dismay of 50 Cent) and it's evident in this release. Teflon Don stands on three legs: Ross’ image, the album’s impressive production value, and its supporting cast of featured artists. Seriously, Ross proved he's got some serious superstar cred with the supporting cast on this album with tracks from producers like: J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League, No ID, The Inkredibles, Kanye West and Danja just to name a few.

It doesn't stop there either as Ross pulled out some big names for appearances as featured artists, such as: Jay-Z, Kanye, T.I., Drake, Jadakiss, Erykah Badu, Ne-Yo, Diddy, Trey Songz, Gucci Mane, Raphael Saadiq, Styles P and Raekwon. That is an impressive gathering of course but it is also a negative for the album. Sure collaborations are great, but when 11 of the 12 tracks have featured artists with heavy lyrical input it devalues the album as truly just Rick Ross'. Rather it sounds like the album should be titled, "Rick Ross and friends present: Teflon Don".

Ross has improved his wordplay on Teflon Don, which helps the listener forget the utter lack of depth in his lyrics. He just doesn’t have much to say (hence all the artists, maybe?). With Ross, you simply have to take what you hear at face value. He has money, he thinks he’s awesome and yes, he loves his sunglasses. Rick Ross often gets criticized for his less-than-proficient lyricism, and rightfully so (which is why he'll never be in my top 10), but I can’t help but enjoy Teflon Don. Look at the featured artists and try not to be intrigued; Ross is the definition of commercial rap, and he clearly understands the business of hip-hop.

The impressive production value puts this album over the top because it is so beautifully constructed by the myriad of producers providing the beats. Each track seamlessly flows to the next and all in all it's a fun album to listen to. Take it for what it is because it doesn't fail to deliver.

Notable Tracks: "Free Mason feat. Jay-Z", "Aston Martin Music feat. Drake and Chrisette Michele", "Audio Meth feat. Raekwon", and "All The Money In The World feat. Raphael Saadiq"

Rating: 3.75 Stars (out of 5)

Peace and Much Love to Ya :)