No Caterpillars Here

One of the fundamental requirements of a good artist is to show progression in his or her work. Without progression, an artist runs the risk of becoming stale to the audience. This problem is especially prevalent in today’s Hip Hop music. Rappers who have achieved some measure of success try to replicate that same success over and over, eventually becoming stale and irrelevant. Meanwhile, up and coming artists follow the blueprint, which made more popular artists successful instead of crafting their own niche.

Musical progression is the first thing noticeable when listening to Teflon Don, the 3rd album from Miami bred rapper Rick Ross (not to be confused with incarcerated drug Kingpin Freeway Ricky Ross, who is actually suing Ross for unauthorized use of his namesake.) Teflon Don features Ross as an improved lyricist and story-teller.

No longer satisfied with putting words together just because they rhyme, Ross has developed a legitimate style full of clever word play and imagery. Ross’ lyrical advancement is evident in Free Mason feat. Jay-Z, which takes shots at the claims that the two are associated with the Freemasons secret society. While he still lyrically leaps and bounds behind the God MC, Ross turns in one of his better verses on the album, spitting lines like, “Built pyramids period we masters, no caterpillars; it was just a lot of n*ggas.”

While Ross has always been a detailed storyteller, his subject matter was limited to tales of drug trafficking and criminal activity. Teflon Don shows a more introspective Ross, who is now able to talk about this past life and struggles before his success. This new Ross is showcased in tracks like All the Money in the World where Ross reflects upon the death of his father. “Pass in ‘99, Cancer all in his liver. Sh*t different since we last spoke his son’s a little richer, I’d never rap again if I could tell that I miss him.”Arguably, the most impressive aspect of the album is its production. Ross calls upon up in coming producers and proven hit makers like Kanye West and Clark Kent come together to create an album with genuine synergy.

Each song successfully sets the mood for the subject matter Ross is about to discuss. Amongst such spectacular production is a relatively unknown group called the J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League puts in the most noteworthy production on the album. They forego the standard 808’s and drum machines for a full orchestra sound on Maybach Music pt 3, Ross’ ode to his luxury car of choice and the symbol of his extravagant lifestyle. Arguably, the best track on the entire album, Maybach music’s beat, coupled with a guest appearance from R&B crooner Erika Badu, creates a mellow and soulful sound, perfect lighting a cigar on a cruise in the 250k vehicle.

While Teflon Don is an advancement from Ross’ previous albums, it is far from being perfect. There are a couple of terrible singles, the worst being Aston Martin music feat Chrisette Michelle and Drake, which plays like a bootleg Maybach music. Ross’ verse is irrelevant and the two singers provide a rather unimpressive chorus. It’s scary to think what tracks didn’t make the 11 track album if Aston Martin music did. There are times where it seems as if Ross is trying too hard to be different from his previous efforts, which results in stupid moments where Ross decides to sing along with a singer or add a few la la las to the track, none of which are welcome. While Ross has improved significantly as a lyricist, he makes a critical rap faux pas multiple times on Teflon Don.

On tracks like Free Mason and Maybach Music, Ross is out-rapped by his guest artist on each song. The Hip Hop rule of them is that one never lets a guest star outshine them on their own track. The only other criticism is that B.M.F.(Blowing Money Fast) and MC Hammer, both produced by Lex Luger, sound exactly the same. When listened to one after another, the end of one song and the start of another is barely distinguishable. Far from perfect, Teflon Don is, however, a welcome surprise from an MC that Hip Hop elitists had dismissed as just another drug rapper from the south. Ross has now established himself as a viable artist.

Hopefully, he will continue his progression and propel himself to a level of MC he believes he already is at and everyone believes he can reach. While a bit of a hard album to listen to for a Hip Hop newbie, long time fans will welcome the spectacular production and crisp lyrics.