Rick Ross. Image source: Paras Griffin, Getty Images.
Rick Ross has once again captured the spotlight, this time for a captivating development. Reports indicate that Georgia State University has selected Rick Ross as the focal subject of a law course.
How He Rolls
Those who know Rick Ross know how he rolls. Rick Ross possesses a signature style and an impressive approach to his dealings. Unlike typical entertainers, Ross stands out as an entrepreneurial titan, boasting an expansive investment portfolio and displaying strategic acumen. Recently, the “Boss” drew attention for a significant addition to his real estate holdings—a property in Miami valued at an impressive $35 million. This is merely one of his holdings.
Rick Ross: On His business
As per a Black Enterprise article from 2021, Rick Ross had already established an impressive entrepreneurial footprint, including a record label, 25 Wingstop franchises, partnerships with major spirits and food brands, and a stake in VERZUZ. And this is what has demonstrated his strong entrepreneurial drive.
Fast-forwarding to 2023, according to Wealthy Gorilla, Rick Ross’s wealth has continued to burgeon. His estimated net worth has now reached $45 million, solidifying his position as one of the most affluent rappers globally. Given his remarkable financial success, it’s no surprise that Ross has been chosen as a prime exemplar.
Rationale for Selecting Rick Ross
This selection was made by the director of Georgia State’s Entertainment, Sports, and Media Law Initiative, Professor Mo Ivory. For Ivory, Ross was a logical choice. As a devoted hip-hop enthusiast, Professor Ivory found Rick Ross’s musical talent impressive and his ambition and business acumen truly exceptional. According to a Hiphopdx article, as Professor Ivory delved deeper into Ross’s multifaceted ventures, he recognized the immense educational value his students could gain. He stated,
“… My students would learn about a businessman who turned his love of music into an empire that includes massive real estate holdings, food and beverage franchises, investment in the car and bike industry, literary industry, and equity ownership.”
In essence, Rick Ross’s life story exemplifies what many aspire to achieve. It not only reflects his unwavering work ethic but also highlights his keen insight, intellectual prowess, and strategic genius.
In The Mind of a Business Strategist
Rick Ross has consistently been vocal about his aspirations and the hard work he’s poured into reaching his current stature. In 2021, he offered a compelling definition of a black entrepreneur, describing them as dreamers who persistently work until their dreams materialize – a statement with substantial wisdom.
Given the totality of his sentiments, one thing is evident. Ross places considerable emphasis on the labor involved, asserting that to become a CEO and executive, one must first adopt the mentality of a diligent worker, regardless of their initial position. What’s truly remarkable is that Rick Ross’s own life journey serves as a tangible and living testament to the truth of these words.
It Starts Somewhere
Hip-hop is undeniably abundant in not just musical talent but also intellectual capital. While Rick Ross undoubtedly stands among the top echelons of business strategists in the industry, he’s not alone. Many hip-hop artists are leading by example, offering valuable insights into multifaceted success. Unfortunately, not everyone recognizes this; some may limit their interest to music alone.
However, it’s essential to recognize that most of these artists are not one-dimensional; they possess multiple talents and operate on various fronts. Understanding how these figures function is invaluable and one of the keys to growth and progression. The more you know, the more you grow.
Summing it Up
So kudos to Mo Ivory for choosing to highlight Rick Ross’s accomplishments in the form of a law course. Hopefully, this marks just the start of more comprehensive initiatives that celebrate individuals within the hip-hop community who consistently exceed expectations.
As the past 50 years of hip-hop have shown, and as exemplified by Rick Ross, greatness is embedded within the very essence of hip-hop culture.
The rumor has it that the prominent Hip-Hop artist and the owner of around thirty Wingstop locations, Rick Ross, is planning to purchase a new mansion. The living space, which the “Aston Martin Music” author has put his eye on, is worth $37,000,000.
Located on Miami Beach’s Star Island, where people like Diddy or Russian businessman and Aman Resorts owner Vladislav Doronin reside, the house Rick Ross has put an eye on will supposedly be under his ownership in a couple of weeks. At this point, the sale has not yet been closed.
The place in question has 6 bedrooms and 9 bathrooms, together with a heated pool, a summer kitchen, and other fancy stuff. Rick Ross also plans to renovate the mansion, so the luxurious house might have even more facilities and more value in the end.
NFTs
Rick Ross has also recently launched his own NFT collection with HitPiece. HitPiece is a company providing a platform for artists to sell non-fungible tokens and other meta-products. The company’s representatives have also spoken to FMHipHop about working with Rick Ross and working the meta-market.
One of the Rick Ross’s NFTs offered by HitPiece. Image source: HitPiece.
According to the company representatives, Rick Ross has decided to launch his own digital products because of the wish “to engage his hardcore fans and an opportunity to connect with him in a new and exciting way, both in the real world and in the metaverse.”
One can purchase Rick Ross’s digital products on HitPiece’s website.
Along with the NFTs, you can also get “exclusive merch, gated digital experiences, limited meetups with Rick at his estate, and gifts from [Rick Ross’s] personal collection.” However, such opportunities are available only to those purchasing the whole collection of Ross’s non-fungible tokens.
Jeffrey Dahmer’s Glasses
Another investment Rick Ross has tried to make is Jeffrey Dahmer’s glasses. The serial killer’s accessory has initially been put on auction for $150,000, with the price eventually rising up to $230,000.
Ross himself went on Twitter asking the crowd to “locate [him] a pair of Dahmer shades.” However, instead of giving advice on finding the accessory, people criticized the artist’s decision to make such a purchase.
Those who know Ross understand how he gets down. So, this upcoming episode promises to be one of the epic podcast’s most authentic, entertaining, and informative.
Rick Ross: The Underpinnings
Rick Ross, the “Teflon Don,” is a massive figure in the hip-hop industry. The artist is a native of Mississippi but bred in the Sunshine State; however, his life wasn’t always filled with such. Regardless, Ross kept it pushing.
Rosay, as Rick Ross is also known, gravitated towards rap and its illustrious top-tier elite artist early in his life. Biography credits Tupac Shakur, Notorious B.I.G., and Ice Cube as some of Ross’s early favorites. But it wasn’t until after attending Albany State University that the artist turned toward making his mark in the industry.
Rick Ross: The Come Up
But Ross wasn’t always Ross. He made his debut as Teflon long before he ever took on his signature moniker. Biography notes,
“He debuted on former E.P.M.D. member Erick Sermon’s 2000 compilation Def Squad Presents Erick Sermon, appearing as Teflon Da Don on a track called “Ain’t Shit to Discuss.””
But Ross’s single “Hustlin” defined him as an artist to watch. Impressively, that track went certified gold, which was a record-breaking feat for a newcomer into the industry.
Although, at the time, he was an up-and-comer, his path to success was clear. A string of successful projects would follow the blow-up of “Hustlin.”
Master Moves
Performing was one of the few things Ross excelled at. He was also an enterprising entrepreneur and demonstrated that with the founding of the MMG. Maybach Music Group in 2009. And as the name indicates and as Ross designed it, Maybach was a high-achieving, quality-driven label turning out some premier artists of the time.
It wasn’t long before it became clear Ross was a boss on multiple planes. But his organizational designs and label leadership were only a tiny subcomponent of his skill set. Ross was a business behemoth, expanding his entrepreneurial empire in massive ways. Rosay not only showed his hand as a real estate investor but also as a franchise owner. His insight was impressive and led to overall profitability. His ability to maintain the businesses set him up as one of the wealthiest in the hip-hop industry. According to Cheat Sheet, Ross has an impressive net worth of about 40 million.
Drink Champs is a top-tier podcast for hip-hop fans. Electrifying hip-hop industry personalities, N.O.R.E. and DJ EFN, are the co-founders and hosts. And one thing that has been obvious since its inception is that this Interval Presents 0ffering is a one-of-a-kind series.
The show features exciting new guests unfiltered every Friday, bringing its viewership engaging moments of “boozy conversation and boisterous storytelling.” All this takes place in a space and time where viewers can get to know their favorites in a laid-back atmosphere where the “jokes roll and spirits flow.”
Drink Champs. Image Source: Drink Champs.
This week will be no different as N.O.R.E and DJ EFN sit with Rick Ross, “Da Boss,” and Brett Berish. Things are bound to turn up as Ross and Berish kick back and lean in. And fans of unparalleled hip-hop content will not want to miss it. After all, it is the first-class podcast,” the most professional unprofessional podcast… period. “So don’t forget to tune in and listen. This episode will debut this Friday, May 12.
“Drink Champs” is streaming on Apple Podcasts, among other outlets.
Wow, names are truly powerful! They allow us to distinguish and identify individuals, animals, objects, places, and ideas. But have you ever felt the electrifying rush of hearing your own name in your favorite song? Well, get ready to be amazed because the Music Industry How To experts have delved into the fascinating connection between names and music.
They studied a whopping one million Spotify playlists and analyzed over two million song titles to discover the most common first names featured in music. And guess what? The male name John has taken the crown as the king of song names, while the female name Mary is the reigning queen. But that’s not all, they also uncovered the most streamed songs on Spotify that bear these magical names in their titles. How cool is that?
Popular Female Names In Song Titles
Mary – Appears In 1,803 Song Titles
‘Mary On A Cross’ by Ghost: 286,170,234 streams
The Swedish rock band Ghost released the single “Mary On A Cross” on their 2018 album “Prequelle.” The lyrics describe a fictional story of Mary, the mother of Jesus, being crucified on the cross instead of her son. Furthermore, the song features the band’s signature hard rock sound, with haunting vocals and heavy guitar riffs.
It received positive reviews from critics and has become a fan favorite at the band’s live shows. Additionally, the single was accompanied by a music video that depicts the band performing the song in a dark and eerie setting, with imagery inspired by religious iconography.
‘Proud Mary’ by Tina Turner: 135,614,411 streams
“Proud Mary” is a song performed by the legendary American singer Tina Turner. It was initially written by John Fogerty and released by his band Creedence Clearwater Revival in 1969. However, Tina Turner’s version, released in 1971, became a huge hit and is widely regarded as the song’s definitive version. “Proud Mary” is an upbeat rock and roll tune with a strong rhythm and catchy chorus.
Many other artists have covered the track, but Tina Turner’s version remains the most popular and enduring. The song’s lyrics describe the hard work and perseverance required to succeed, with the refrain “Rollin’ on the river” as a metaphor for overcoming obstacles and moving forward in life.
Maria – Appears In 1,714 Song Titles
‘Maria Maria’ by Santana: 217,654,785 streams
The Latin rock band Santana performed the song “Maria Maria,” which was released as a single on March 6, 2000. Santana wrote the song along with The Product G&B, who also provided vocals for the track. “Maria Maria” features a mix of Latin and hip-hop beats and is known for its catchy melody and guitar riffs. This song was included in Santana’s album “Supernatural,” and became a commercial success, reaching the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Also, in 2001, the single won a Grammy Award for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals.
‘Maria’ by Blondie: 94,427,125 streams
“Maria” is a single released by the American rock band Blondie. The band’s guitarist, Chris Stein, and lead vocalist, Deborah Harry, wrote the song and released it in November 1999 as the lead single from their ninth studio album, “No Exit.” It received positive reviews from music critics and became a commercial success, reaching the top 10 in several countries, including the United Kingdom and Australia.
Notably, the song features Harry’s distinctive vocals over a pop-rock sound with electronic elements. The lyrics of “Maria” focus on Harry’s perception of a mysterious woman named Maria. Jonas Åkerlund directed the music video, which shows Harry in various futuristic roles.
Georgia – Appears In 698 Song Titles
‘Georgia’ by Vance Joy: 421,856,204 streams
Australian singer-songwriter Vance Joy wrote the song “Georgia.” It was released on September 15, 2017, as a single from his second studio album, “Nation of Two.” The song features Joy’s signature acoustic guitar sound with a catchy chorus and lyrics that revolve around nostalgia and memories of a past relationship. It received favorable reviews from music critics and charted in several countries, including Australia, where it reached number 41 on the ARIA Singles Chart.
‘Georgia on My Mind’ by Ray Charles: 86,514,721 streams
In 1960, “Georgia on My Mind,” by American musician Ray Charles, was released. Hoagy Carmichael and Stuart Gorrell wrote the song, which has since become one of Charles’ signature songs. In his version, Charles imbues the song with a sense of homesickness for Georgia, the state where he grew up.
The song was a commercial hit, reaching number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and staying there for several weeks. It also won Charles a Grammy Award for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance. Importantly, in 1979, “Georgia on My Mind” became the official state song of Georgia, cementing its place as a classic American song.
Jane – Appears In 659 Song Titles
‘Plain Jane’ by A$AP Ferg: 648,171,944 streams
Get ready to groove to the beat because “Plain Jane” by A$AP Ferg is an absolute banger! The song, produced by the talented Kirk Knight, was released on December 15, 2017, and quickly became a fan favorite. It is the third single from Ferg’s second studio album, “Still Striving,” and features a sample from the iconic Three 6 Mafia track, “Slob on My Knob.”
The catchy lyrics and infectious beat of “Plain Jane” earned it critical acclaim and widespread commercial success. It reached the top 30 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and has since achieved platinum certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). It’s no surprise that the song remains a popular choice for parties, concerts, and playlists worldwide.
‘Jane’ by Jefferson Starship: 61,410,581 streams
Released in 1979 as part of their album “Freedom at Point Zero,” “Jane” is a single by the American rock band Jefferson Starship. Written by David Freiberg and Craig Chaquico, the song became one of the band’s biggest hits, reaching number 14 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. Notably, the song features a catchy guitar riff and powerful vocals from lead singer Mickey Thomas. Furthermore, the lyrics depict Jane as a persistent and self-reliant woman who strives to live life on her own terms.
Bella – Appears In 580 Song Titles
‘Bella Ciao’ by Manu Pilas: 183,552,399 streams
This song is a Spanish-language cover of the Italian folk song “Bella Ciao,” originally sung by farmers, laborers, and anti-fascist activists during World War II. After the hit Netflix series “La Casa de Papel” (“Money Heist”) featured it, “Bella Ciao” gained international popularity, and the show’s official soundtrack later included it. The modern, electronic arrangement of the song featured in Manu Pilas’ version has been streamed millions of times on various music platforms.
‘Bella’ by Red Hot Chili Peppers: 5,929,737 streams
Furthermore, “Bella” is a song by the Red Hot Chili Peppers, an American rock band. It was released as a single on December 10, 2021, and is featured on the band’s album “Redemption Arcadium,” released on December 31, 2021. “Bella” was written by the band’s members, Anthony Kiedis, Flea, Chad Smith, and John Frusciante, and produced by Rick Rubin. The song has a rock sound and features Kiedis’ distinctive vocals, accompanied by Frusciante’s guitar riffs, Flea’s bass lines, and Smith’s drum beats. Kiedis sings about Bella, a woman with captivating beauty and a mysterious personality in the song’s lyrics.
Linda – Appears In 579 Song Titles
‘Linda’ by Tokischa: 117,256,646 streams
On August 27, 2021, Dominican rapper Tokischa released the single “Linda” under the labels Rimas Music and Sony Music Latin. This track features a blend of Latin trap and reggaeton music genres and was produced by Dominican producer Bipo Montana. Moreover, the lyrics of “Linda” describe a woman who is confident in her appearance and is not afraid to show it off. Additionally, the music video for the song, directed by Jocelyn Cooper, debuted simultaneously as a single and attracted millions of views on YouTube.
‘Linda’ by Projota: 96,346,234 streams
The Hip-Hop/Rap song called “Linda” was created and sung in Portuguese by Projota. The song’s lyrics revolve around the singer’s admiration for a woman named Linda, praising her beauty and personality. Fans of the artist and genre alike widely favor the track, available on various music streaming platforms.
Juliet – Appears In 459 Song Titles
‘Check Yes, Juliet’ by We The Kings: 234,979,068 streams
“We The Kings” is the artist behind the single “Check Yes, Juliet,” which came out in 2007 as part of the band’s self-titled debut album. Travis Clark, the band’s lead vocalist, and Sam Hollander, a songwriter and producer, wrote the single. “Check Yes, Juliet” is a pop-punk and power pop song with upbeat guitar riffs and catchy lyrics. It received significant airplay on alternative radio stations and peaked at number 70 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song’s popularity helped the band gain a dedicated following and establish themselves as a prominent name in the pop-punk music scene.
‘Romeo and Juliet’ by Dire Straits: 230,039,431 streams
Dire Straits, a British rock band, released their single “Romeo and Juliet” in 1981 from their album “Making Movies.” Written by Mark Knopfler, the song tells the story of two star-crossed lovers, Romeo and Juliet, who cannot be together due to their feuding families. It features Knopfler’s signature guitar-playing style and has become one of the band’s most popular and enduring hits. In addition, “Romeo and Juliet” peaked at number 8 on the UK Singles Chart and remains a staple on classic rock radio stations.
Carmen – Appears In 440 Song Titles
‘Carmen’ by Lana Del Rey: 137,697,825 streams
Lana Del Rey, an American singer-songwriter, released the single “Carmen” in 2012 as part of her debut studio album, “Born to Die.” It was also released as a promotional single in the United States in 2013. The song was written by Lana Del Rey and Justin Parker and produced by Emile Haynie. “Carmen” features Del Rey’s signature dreamy vocals and explores love, addiction, and fame themes. This track received positive reviews from music critics and high marks for its cinematic quality and evocative lyrics.
‘Carmen’ by Stromae: 57,302,993 streams
“Carmen” by Belgian musician Stromae was released on March 31, 2014, and is part of Stromae’s second studio album, “Racine Carrée.” The song’s lyrics refer to the character Carmen from the opera of the same name and address social media addiction and its adverse effects on society. The track has a mix of electronic, hip-hop, and traditional African music elements; the music video features an animated depiction of the character Carmen and her relationship with social media. “Carmen” was a commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in several countries, including Belgium, France, and Switzerland.
Carolina – Appears In 439 Song Titles
‘Carolina’ by Harry Styles: 181,229,423 streams
The English singer and songwriter Harry Styles released the single song “Carolina” as part of his self-titled debut album “Harry Styles” on May 12, 2017, through Erskine Records and Columbia Records. Written by Harry Styles, Thomas Hull, Mitch Rowland, and Tyler Johnson and produced by Jeff Bhasker, Tyler Johnson, and Alex Salibian, “Carolina” received positive reviews from music critics for its upbeat rock sound, catchy melody, and lyrics.
Additionally, the song features a guitar riff reminiscent of the classic rock band, The Rolling Stones. As a result, Harry Styles has performed “Carolina” during his solo concerts and time with the band One Direction.
‘Carolina’ by Taylor Swift: 40,055,359 streams
Let me tell you about another amazing song! Taylor Swift’s “Carolina” is a pop/country track released on her sixth studio album, “Reputation,” in 2017. This song was written by Taylor Swift and co-written and produced by the talented Max Martin and Shellback. Critics couldn’t help but rave about “Carolina,” praising its infectious melody and Swift’s powerful vocals.
This song tells the story of Taylor becoming infatuated with a girl named Carolina at a party. The guitar riffs and upbeat tempo perfectly complement the lively lyrics, making it impossible not to dance along. Although “Carolina” didn’t debut as an official single, it still received significant airplay on radio stations and quickly prevailed on the album.
Rick Ross is launching his first VIP Exclusive Collection of NFTs in collaboration with HitPiece. In Big Boss fashion, Rozay is bringing the metacommunity together in a big way. Collectors will benefit from perks like access to Ross’ Rozay World: The Promised Land. This will allow them to get exclusive gifts from his personal collection. The VIP experience will give fans an exclusive experience by enabling them to tour Ross’s mansion and even be him in the metaverse.
Rick Ross calls NFTs the “new receipts” because of their representation and exclusivity of actual items.
Check out the teaser video below:
The NFT space is still a huge source of marketing and inclusivity since its rise to popularity. FM spoke with HitPiece, the company, and got the low down on The Boss himself and how they curated the NFT collaboration.
HitPiece: Bridging Artists and Fans Through NFTs
Navigating the NFT space may seem lightyears ahead of time. However, HitPiece has mastered the art of creating inclusivity across all genres for the most loyal fans.
FMHipHop: There has been a rise in the use of crypto over the past couple of years. While I don’t want to say it’s untapped, has this always been a part of the HitPiece business venture, or did you see an opportunity and was it something you decided to take on because it was so new?
HitPiece: Great question. So my background is in the record business. I actually bought bitcoin in 2014, and I was always very curious about blockchains. Blockchains can provide other valuable services as well by ownership of digital assets. That’s why NFTs have taken off in the art world, and more specifically, they’re a way to make X number of copies. Those are verified and authenticated by the blockchain, so the fans or the collector know that they are authentic from the artist or one of the few that exist. They inherently have value because they’re connected with the artist.
FMHipHop: NFTs and crypto have seen more hype but may have died down. Do you think it’s because of a crypto-literacy issue of not knowing how to break into the space, or do you feel the demand is high and only a select few survive?
HitPiece: I think with any influx of technology, you do see a lot of projects that don’t have any long-term value, and they eventually just get weeded out. So if you are watching an NFT collection or some sort of Web3 community, you have to be providing value to your collectors and interest in your collection long term. That’s why some artists like Rick Ross, we think, are really going about it the right way by not launching a huge collection.
So for him, it’s about wanting to engage his hardcore fans and an opportunity to connect with him in a new and exciting way, both in the real world and in the metaverse. He’s allowing them to receive items from his personal collection or items he may have worn in a music video, limited merchandise, and all sorts of things both in the real world and the metaverse. We think this is really the right way to engage your community, to engage them and keep them excited and give them a sense of ownership in what you’re building.
FMHipHop: What more can you expect from Rick Ross? We know that he is an extravagant, larger-than-life thinker. I’d love to hear more about the creative process between you guys. Did he pitch his ideas, and you all execute them, or did HitPiece have some reign in the creative space?
HitPiece: He was definitely a pleasure to work with and a complete professional. And on top of it, it’s been a really great experience so far. Rick was kind enough to open up his home one day, and we were invited to shoot some content there. Just a fun anecdote, when we were there to view the collection, he happened to be having all of his clothes taken out of his closet, and he was going live on Instagram talking about how is he a hoarder or is he a collector because he has all these amazing clothes. Then I was like, “you’re not a hoarder; you’re a collector.” He started using these sorts of adlibs I gave him on his Instagram Live.
I thought it was funny, I didn’t think anything of it but then 2 hours later, the phones were buzzing because it had been picked up by People magazine. I only cite that as a surreal experience. Rick’s life is a larger-than-life experience and so much fun.
We actually came up with avatars of Rick that people will actually be able to be him and hang out with him in a virtual world at his home. And again, because they’re super rare, they will be able to inherit value. Rick actually loved that idea, that idea that, um, we were creating this world that people could actually be him, so it’s cool to be able to do something like that. One of the things we’re looking into is including his car collection. We are really hoping to do something amazing with that.
FMHipHop:Yes, he definitely has an impressive car collection. What are some other collaborations fans can expect within the Rozay collaboration with HitPiece?
HitPiece: Definitely, there’s Belaire, the champagne company, and their associated spirits. Also, with Wing Stop, which everyone knows he’s a franchise owner of. There are no official partnerships with any of the brands yet, but look out for some brands to possibly want to collaborate.
As far as HitPiece, we have some things coming up with Lil Gotit, 808 Mafia, and a lot of developing artists who are using the Web3 community as a way to build up their community prior to taking the next step in their career if that makes sense.
FMHipHop:That’s awesome, and we will definitely be on the lookout for these upcoming collabs. This has been great, and before we go, I would like to know what advice you would give anyone who is trying to invade the NFT space and build longevity? How can they take full advantage of what the crypto space has to offer?
HitPiece: I would definitely say you’d have to be long-term-minded here. You can’t just launch and bring it about, or else it will not work. The community will not support it. Two, invite the community into the decisions about what you want to do. That is a really exciting way to invite them in and give them a sense of ownership and a say in what you’re doing and how you’re maintaining.
One of the strategies we’re actually implementing is inviting everyone who’s signed up for updates on the Rick Ross collection. We’re asking them how they want this collection to be released. In Web3, you have these outlets which can gage certain wallets and allow you to buy an NFT before other people. There’s a mixed sentiment, so we’re actually asking the community if they would prefer that. So that’s a way we’re engaging that community. For artists, I will say be creative. This is a whole new world, it can be something super simple. It doesn’t have to be something super complex. It can be as complex as they want. The complexity around these collections. It’s actually rather interesting to collectors.
The last thing I’d say is collaboration. I always tell other genres to look at what Hip-Hop does and is doing. Everyone always collaborates with each other. It’s working. You’re starting to see it in the Web3 community. They’re flowing together and constantly building each other up. I think that as a world, we have a lot to learn from that. It’s a beautiful thing that I will say hip hop has actually taught and set the essence of collaborations.
The Future of Marketing
NFTs, or non-fungible tokens, have become a hot commodity since the rise in the popularity of cryptocurrency. Whether you are crypto-literate or just looking for a piece of the pie, NFTs bridge the gap of VIP status in the meta world.
The NFT space is still a huge source of marketing and inclusivity since its rise to popularity. We look forward to the ever-expanding knowledge and opportunities of the Meta space.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - SEPTEMBER 30: Jeezy performs onstage during the BET Hip Hop Awards 2022 at Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre on September 30, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Terence Rushin/Getty Images)
I bet you didn’t know Jeezy had a little beef with Nas years ago. After Nas proclaimed “Hip Hop Is Dead” in 2006, people thought the Queens rapper took a shot at the rappers in the South.
At that time, the South started to run the game with artists like T.I., Jeezy, and Ludacris. Jeezy didn’t take too kindly to Nas’s song. He went on the radio after that responding with rage. Shortly, after that Nas called Jeezy on the phone to explain to him what he meant. Jeezy was already prepared to go to war with Nas. But, according to Jeezy, Nas was calm, cool, and collected on the phone. He also assured that his song had nothing to do with the Snowman. Jeezy always remembered this.
Jeezy Thanks Nas
He was so inspired by Nas’s demeanor that he decided to take the same route in his other beefs. The Atlanta rapper has had known beef with Rick Ross and Freddie Gibbs. Ultimately, both of those beefs were squashed. Jeezy actually signed Freddie Gibbs to his CTE Label in 2011. Shortly, thereafter in 2012, Gibbs decided to leave the label. He and Jeezy weren’t seeing eye to eye which led to the two dissing each other. Gibbs dissed his former boss on “Real” and Jeezy retaliated on “Therapy For My Soul”. After patching things up, Jeezy chalks up his beefs up to bad communication.
Going forward, he promises to communicate better. Jeezy has been busy lately after dropping his Gangsta Grillz mixtape, Snowfall, with DJ Drama. Good thing these two were able to end their beef as well. The Atlanta legend also made an appearance on The Shop: Uninterrupted, but the episode will never air. Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, was on the episode as well, and his speech wasn’t safe for television. The Shop is co-hosted by Maverick Carter and LeBron James. Carter made remarks stating that Ye’s problematic speech led to the production company canceling the episode. Jeezy may be back on The Shop soon with another black billionaire.
Jay-Z during 2022 NBA Finals. Image source: Ezra Shaw/Getty Images.
DJ Khaled just dropped his album that included A-list artists, per usual. Of course, he had none other than Jay-Z on his tracklist. “God Did” featuring Rick Ross, Lil Wayne, John Legend, and Fridayy. Jay-Z goes last, having the most extended verse. He spits for at least five minutes leaving listeners to forget that Ross and Wayne were also on the track. Jay-Z’s verse is being talked about, and a popular question arises: is this his best verse? Everyone wants to know, and I’m sure everyone has their own opinion. Jay-Z has so many bars, which makes this debate difficult. We, however, cracked it and came up with Jay-Z’s top 7 verses.
DJ Khaled, Lil Durk and 21 Savage bumpin’ Jay-Z’s verse on “GOD DID” 🔥 https://t.co/AhE3wXxubh
7. “What’s Free” By Meek Mill ft. JAY-Z and Rick Ross (“Championships” Album)
Jay-Z goes last in this song off Meek Mill’s “Championships” album. When this came out, the world stopped! This was 2018, in which Hov had been rapping for over 20 years. Fans were excited to hear a verse from the legend as his career is winding down. He touched on many topics and what’s happening in the world today. People appreciated the knowledge he dropped regarding the history of our culture. In this 3-minute verse, you can learn a lot from Hov!
6. “No Church in the Wild” By Jay-Z & Kanye West ft. Frank Ocean & The-Dream (“Watch the Throne” Album)
In 2011, Jay-Z and Kanye West released their joint album “Watch the Throne.” Hov drops knowledge in his first few bars referencing Ancient Rome and the backstabbing Pilgrims. He also lets you know that he has studied ancient philosophy as he mentions the Euthyphro dilemma. Jay-Z refers to Socrates and Plato as class is in session for all listeners!
Jay-Z & Kanye West ft. Frank Ocean – No Church in the Wild has just surpassed 250m Spotify streams!
2nd highest streamed song on the album – Paris has 943m
Lowkey a contender for best opening track of the 2010s…
5. “Pound Cake” By Drake ft. JAY-Z (“Nothing Was the Same” Album)
Another surprise was when Drake dropped “Nothing Was the Same.” We were all happy to hear the Brooklyn rapper on a song with Drake. Like in his recent “God Did” verse, this verse he talks about the people who made millions because of him. Dame Dash, Biggs, Kanye West, Just Blaze, Lyor Cohen, Cam’ron, and Beanie Sigel all made millions under Roc-A-Fella.
Off “The Dynasty” album, Hov brings listeners into his personal life. We get to see him being vulnerable early in his career. He speaks about love, friendship, and family. I’m pretty sure the second verse is not about Jay-Z’s personal life.
Jay-Z poured his heart out on Soon Youll Understand
3. “Renegade” 2nd Verse By JAY-Z ft. Eminem (“The Blueprint” Album)
In this one, Hov goes head-to-head against Eminem. There’s a considerable debate on who went harder, Em or Jay? I’ll give the edge to Jay on this song even though Eminem’s verses are high level, probably the best he’s written. I think Em knew he had to show up on Jay-Z’s album. In 2001, Jay-Z had the game wrapped around his finger.
2. “Song Cry” 2nd Verse By Jay-Z (“The Blueprint” Album)
Similar to “Soon You’ll Understand,” Jay-Z gets vulnerable again. It’s not hard to feel him on this one. He’s talking about things many of us can relate to. Jay-Z can tell a story, be personal, and make a hit song. “Song Cry” has all of it!
Many people might’ve forgotten this was Memphis Bleek’s song, but Hov stole the show. Per usual! At this time, Jay-Z didn’t have a verse since “The Black Album,” which came out in 2003. This freestyle excited the hip-hop world, and we realized that Hov wasn’t in “retirement.” 17 years later, and this freestyle is still so good!
We only did seven because Jay-Z just has too much in his catalog! There are so many other verses that can be put on this list! Hov has 17 albums, countless singles, and so many awards. The Hall of Fame songwriter still does it like no other!
The Big Boss, Rick Ross, will partner up with Red Bull, for one night only, to deliver an all-black symphony experience. The event will be later this year on November 4, in Atlanta, Georgia. North America’s first experience of the Red Bull Symphonic will showcase Rozay teaming up with the Orchestra Noir symphony. The set that the MMG boss and the all-black symphony will be unique by reimagining some of Ross’s greatest hits. Basically, it will fuse hip-hop and classical music into one concert. The famous orchestra is compiled of 50 people and previously collaborated with many well-known hip-hop artists in the past. Some of those artists are Cardi B, Migos, 2 Chainz, T.I., and is led by conductor Jason Ikeem Rodgers.
With Red Bull symphonic bringing two very different styles of music together for a concert definitely has people hyped and curious about the whole event. Previously, Red Bull brought together the internationally famous drum ‘n’ bass duo, Camo & Krooked with the Max Steiner Orchestra. additionally, the performance was conducted by Christain Kolonovits in Camo & Crook’s hometown of Vienna, Austria. More recently, however, Red Bull symphonic matched up multi-talented musical director Lillo Scrimali with rapper Loredana.
More Details on Rick Ross & Red Bull Concert
Tickets are currently available for the Atlanta Symphony Hall and the prices are not super steep either. The tickets range from $36 to $74 plus any included fees. That being said, the prices are still very affordable so it won’t hurt anyone’s wallet too badly.
Ross said in a statement “From the Biggest Boss I’m going to make sure I give yall an unforgettable and one-night only performance.” Additionally, he states “Red Bull Symphonic is helping us celebrate heritage, musicians, and more importantly Black excellence. We gonna innovate big that night.”
Red bull even posted about the event on their official Instagram page. Check it out below.
Birdman is continuing to add fire to the long beef between him and Rick Ross. The legendary boss man sat down with DJ Akademiks on his “Off The Record” podcast praising the rappers on his label Cash Money Records. He gave a special shoutout to Drake, Nicki Minaj, and Lil Wayne for becoming the worldwide superstars they are today. Birdman also praised Future, Yo Gotti, Juvenile and DJ Khaled, but had some other words for Rick Ross.
“Ross been sittin up under me forever,” he said. “[He’s] been stalkin my style; peepin my sauce.” The beef between Birdman and Ross has been ongoing for quite some time.
Birdman and Rick Ross Beef
The ongoing feud between Birdman and Ross started back in 2017. While Birdman and Wayne were in a feud at the time. Ross came to Weezy’s defense in the song “Idols Become Rivals.” Ross rapped “I pray you find the kindness in your heart for Wayne/His entire life, he gave you what there was to gain/I watched this whole debacle so I’m part to blame.” In an interview with Scottie Beam for BET Networks, Ross spoke about the track. He used the analogy of a student admiring someone but later seeing their true colors once that student gets to finally work with them.
Ross then spoke with Atlanta’s Hot 107.9, clarifying that the song was not a diss record but a “clean your face record.” The rapper also revealed that the track also defends DJ Khaled. Birdman allegedly had caused Khaled “pain” and “put him in a hole” at the time the two were working together.
Birdman responded to this in an interview with Complex in 2019, saying “So, when another n***a in another n***a business, to me, that’s a violation. That’s how I come up, simple. I ain’t ever been no man to speak down on no man in this music business, never did.”
Like Wayne and Khaled, whom both Birdman praise, we all can hope that one day Ross will eventually be praised by the boss man at some point down the line.
Rick Ross has never been a fan of cryptocurrencies. He has followed the advice of his mother. “If you can’t touch it, don’t do it.” Now he is laughing at all of the people that went for it.
A month ago, Ross had asked about the legitimacy of the metaverse and cryptocurrencies. This had caused the NFT market to drop 92%. Shortly afterward, he made another post. He was hoping that it was just a coincidence and that he had not caused it, but that it was just a natural crash.
Now, cryptocurrency is crashing again. This time, Ross has nothing to do with it. He is just smugly telling everyone that he called it, but nobody listened to him.
According to Forbes, the crash is a $100 billion price crash. The reason for the crash is the US government.
“The latest bitcoin and crypto sell-off was sparked by fears the Federal Reserve could put its ‘foot on the gas’ in its fight to drive down inflation after the latest U.S. consumer price index reading showed the economy remains red-hot.”
This is causing all of the investors to freak out and sell everything in the hopes of coming out of the other side with any kind of profit.
Historically, all new currencies start extremely unstable. Both Continental Currency and MMO economics address these facts historically. Either one of two things happens. Either they find a way to regulate the money, or the currency crashes and is unable to recover. The entire point of crypto, which is being used as a feature instead of a bug, is that it is unregulated. That only leaves one fate available for all cryptocurrencies. The only question is when to buy in and check out. It is literally just gambling over a long period of time.
