Rick Ross, MMG CEO and rap superstar recently dropped his fourth solo release, God Forgives, I Don’t. This album features MMG members Wale and Omarion, alongside Drake, Dr. Dre, Jay-Z, and Andre 3000. The production is polished and fantastic; GFID is worth a listen.
“Sixteen” is arguably the best track of the album with Andre 3000 dropping one of the most notable verses of his career. Other highlights include “Presidential,” “Diced Pineapples,” “3 Kings,” and “Amsterdam”.
It is important to note, as strictly an emcee and lyricist, Rick Ross has made little progress with this release, and rather, has moved to strictly what should be understood as an entertainer. Stories of drugs, guns, women, and riches have grown tiresome and implausible to a certain extent – Rick Ross was a former corrections officer. The production on the other hand is fantastic, featuring Jake One, Pharrell Williams, the J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League, Cool & Dre, and others; the issue is that as a multi-millionaire, Ross can create an album with fantastic instrumentation, which in this case, covers for the simplicity/dullness of Rick Ross as an emcee.
Designate what you are seeking when playing this album: for me, it is difficult to argue a good rap album when lyrical content is next to null. There is far better ‘trap music’ with content out there. That is not to say this is a poor album, and it should be listened to in its entirety—but it is to say that without the features and production, this album would most definitely be a weed plate.
The feature guests are incredible, the production is great and there are a handful of very good songs on the album. Rick Ross is a consistent entertainer, and again receives commercial success worldwide with this release. However, I repeat, it is hard to appreciate an album when the artist himself is the afterthought. If you are able to put aside these (minute), details, this album may be very enjoyable to you. My very subjective critique will speak to some, and be disregarded by others. Final words: listen to this album for the features and instrumentation and you will undoubtedly be pleased; Rick Ross fans will have no problem playing this front to back.
