The Bar Exam: Trilla

Artist: Rick Ross

Album Title: Trilla

Album #:2

Label: Slip-N-Slide/Def Jam

By L.D.Williams Jr





Breakdown

Rick Ross ignited the hip hop world in 2006 when he released the single "Hustlin'". The success of the single propelled Rick Ross to platinum status and heightened expectations. Rick Ross was even given Honorable Mention on this site in the column "The Top FIVE SOLO anticipated Albums of 2008" [to read that article click here]. Rick Ross is back to step in the ring with the sophomore jinx and he beats the hell out of it.

Rick Ross teams up with the cameo machine T-Pain on the song "The Boss". Ross does a good job running through the beat produced by J.R. Botem. [Note: Botem produced "Push It" on Rick Ross' debut.] "We Shinin" showcases Ross over soulful a beat by Bink! from Bad Boy Entertainment. Rick Ross continues his boss theme on the album over the triumphant horns produced by DJ Troomp. [NOTE: Troomp produced White House on Ross' debut]

Rick Ross also does a good job of switching up the pace when he collaborates with Nelly on "Here I Am". While he did go back to people who helped his successful debut , J.R. Botem and DJ Troomp, the most glaring contributions on his album came from the masterful production from the J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League.

The J.U.S.T.I.C.E League produced "Maybach Music" and "Luxury Tax" as well as two other songs on the album. The former song features Rick Ross trading verses with Jay-Z. The latter song features Ross collaborating with southern heavyweights Lil Wayne, Young Jeezy, and Trick Daddy over triumphant horns.

While there is plenty to rave about listening to this album songs like "Money Make Me Come" and "Reppin My City" sound like a throw away tracks that didn't make it on Port of Miami so the Miami native decided to add it here for whatever reason.

Even these minor stutter steps do not take away from the album as a whole. With Trilla Rick Ross has shown growth. He has graduated the numerous cocaine trafficking references that defined and at times weighed down his debut to a more complete effort with sharp production that accentuated his strengths.

This fifteen track offering is a testament that Rick Ross' claims of being a boss is not just another rapper haplessly self promoting himself, his claims are definitely legitimate. This album is definitely something worth checking out.



FINAL SCORE: 4/5

1. Intro (prod. J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League)
2. Way Mo' (prod. Cool & Dre)
3. Speedin' (prod. The Runners) (feat R.Kelly)
4. Cash Come In (prod. Cool & Dre)
5. Interlude #1
6. Street Money (prod. J Rock) (feat Flo-Rida)
7. Criminal Mind (prod. Cool & Dre) (feat Akon)
8. Mecca Of The Trill (prod. J Rock) (feat Freeway)
9. Luxury Tax (prod. J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League) (feat Trick Daddy, Lil' Wayne, Young Jeezy)
10. Interlude #2
11. Japanese Denim (prod. feat Mannie Fresh)
12. Maybach Music (prod. J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League) (feat Jay-Z)
13. Interlude #3
14. B.O.S.S. (prod. JR Rotem) (feat T-Pain, Nelly)
15. I'm Only Human (prod. Kanye West) (feat Marsha Ambrosius, Brisco)