008: "She Thinking Phillipe, I'm Thinking Wingstop..."
008: "She Thinking Phillipe, I'm Thinking Wingstop..."
Rick Ross never loses his focus
Friends,
Due to a very busy personal schedule, I was only able to deliver one article last month. I will be doing my best to ensure this is a one-off, but shit happens sometimes.
But anyway, let’s get back to business…
Rick Ross’ past as a corrections officer is a constant talking point whenever his name is mentioned. It’s to be expected in the world of hip-hop when you consider both the culture and genre’s roots, which has a consistent outlook and stance towards law enforcement, the establishment and it’s resistance towards them.
While Rozay’s questionable employment history is a sticking point for some (understandably so, especially for the purists), he’s still managed to overcome this for the most part, which is testament to his ability as a musician and artist, not to mention his perseverance and work rate. Objectively speaking, as far as his output and product goes, Ross is pretty good at his job, has a strong discography and plenty of hot songs that he and his family will be eating off for quite some time into the future.
It took a while for him to find his pocket, but when he eventually landed on his winning formula, he took the game, charts and everything beyond and in between by storm. “Luxury Rap” and Rick Ross go hand-in-hand. His music paints lavish images where there is no limit to excess and enjoying the fruits of one’s labour. But there’s more to Ross than just spending and stunting without direction. The Boss has always been very vocal about his intentions as a businessman, and he’s certainly delivered on a number of fronts. Eyes firmly on the prize at all times.
“She thinking Phillipe, I'm thinking Wingstop”
Ross goes in bar for bar on “MC Hammer”, one of his finest songs from his widely praised “Teflon Don” album, but ensures he reminds listeners that he doesn’t just splash money aimlessly - at least not to the untrained eye. In the midst of his aggressive, relentless gloating and bravado, Rick Ross points out that his mind is always on the bigger picture. His subtle reference to his ownership of Wingstop chains is encapsulated by more in-your-face displays of wealth (sportscar ownership specifically), because nothing is more flex-worthy than passive income and ROI. Depreciating assets are so yesterday, of course.
The fact that Rozay serves this up in a song designed to keep heads bopping in clubs makes it all the more enjoyable. Ross sprinkles little flavours of knowledge and his mission. His hunger for success and visibility in displaying it means listeners can take a nugget of business acumen away when they least expect it. This edition’s Bar Of Wisdom is one of my favourites, because of the nature of Rick Ross’ timely reminder to keep our goals, vision and bigger picture in mind at all times.
Ross is no stranger to this mentality and thought process; if anything it’s a recurring narrative in his music. Think back to how he closes off his “Devil In A New Dress” verse:
“I’m making love to the angel of death, catching feelings never stumble retracing my steps”
He’s astute with how he manoeuvres through the gears, and there’s a pattern of him articulating how he ensures he doesn’t get carried away in the presence of love interests who may have ulterior motives, a story we’ve seen played out a fair few times across art, literature and society as a whole. It’s good to switch off and enjoy success, but don’t let it derail you. Rick Ross never loses sight of the fact that money never sleeps. Don’t take your eye off the ball.
Do yourself justice, utilise your mind.
WhosAria
A Word On The Song/Artist
As polarising as he is, Rick Ross’ success cannot be questioned. He’s put great bodies of work together over the years, with 2007-2013 in particular being an excellent run for him. His realness will always be a topic of conversation, however in the grand scheme things, when taking in the current climate of the music industry and entertainment as whole into account, one must accept that authenticity is unfortunately a pleasant bonus rather than a given or necessity.
“Welcome to show business.”
I have “MC Hammer” included in my “The GOAT Gym Playlist” playlist which you can listen to on Apple or Spotify alongside other volumes and concept playlists. Like, follow and share my profiles/playlists to stay up-to-date with all of my current and future playlist collections.