Those who are familiar with the BET series American Gangster know exactly who “Freeway Ricky Ross” is—he’s the drug trafficker who many considered to be responsible for the cocaine epidemic back in the 80’s. And if you’re in depth with Hip-Hop, then that same name will be familiar to you too. But it’s not the same Rick Ross from Los Angeles chronicled in that one episode of the show; it’s William “Rick Ross” Roberts of Carol City, Florida.

After adopting the “Ross” moniker, Roberts made his debut with the smash hit, “Hustlin.’”  And with a highly successful first album in the bag, Port Of Miami (which is certified gold), he’s back with Trilla. As the immortal KRS-One once said, there are “MCs” and there are “rappers,” and it doesn’t take a genius to figure out what category Ricky falls under.

The album starts off with an intro where he shouts out everybody under the sun followed by “All I Have In This World” (feat. Mannie Fresh). Over Fresh’s patented drum roll production, he spits lines like, “My money so long, his money ain’t nothing/my money in front of me/his money just frontin.’”

The money and drug talk continue on “The Boss” (feat. T-Pain). The video itself s hould be a nominee for “World’s Craziest Videos” just because of the fact of him being [Gasps] shirtless in it. “We Shinin’” sounds more of a feel good record, where he doesn’t really stress the fact of him being an employer too much. Over the Bink! produced track, phrases like, “Boss, I need more champagne/yeah I’m a millionaire, you wanna hold my chain/you can get a little pu**y n***a, hold my name” utter out of his mouth.

Trey Songz visits Mr. Ross’ neighborhood on “This Is The Life.” With his old-school slow flow, he elaborates on how he’s living it up these days. “Here I Am” includes the unlikely pairing of Ricky and Nelly. The Boss shows that his style can mesh with those that don’t brag about drug paraphernalia and the high-ranking position that they might hold.

Ricky’s former boss Jay-Z makes his appearance on “Maybach Music.” The title is self explanatory, but if you’re lost, then they’re talking about music that one might listen to if one were to cruise around in a Maybach Benz. Jay breezes through the track showing up his past employee with lines like, “Black Maybach, white seats, black piping/remind me of Paul McCartney and Mike fighting/(you know) the girl is mine/life’s a b*tch, so the whole world is mine.”

The production group known as The J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League have a handful of placements on the album, and one of their best is “Billionaire.” Over the standout track Ross gives credit to the drug game with lines like, “And my daughter college pre-paid/she straight, say thanks to the D-game/in the Phantom on that Tupac/riding through the ghetto like I’m looking for a new spot (not)/but I’m well established, I f**k with heroin cause it sells the fastest.”

The Southern all-stars come out on “Luxury Tax,” which includes Lil’ Wayne, Young Jeezy, and Trick Daddy. This track is just a testament to how the South sticks together with everybody playing a part, and not trying to overshadow the next. Wayne’s verse isn’t too long, and he’s assigned to “hook duty” while everyone else gets the same amount of shine. Songs like “Money Make Me Come” (feat. Ebony Love), the quirky “Reppin’ My City” (feat. Triple C & Brisco), and “Speedin’” (feat. R. Kelly) help to compliment the album, while songs like “I’m Only Human” (feat. Rodney) could’ve been left on the cutting room floor.

Just to touch back on what was said earlier, there are two different types of performers, either you’re an “MC” or you’re a “rapper.” Rick Ross without a doubt fits into the rapper column. He may not be able to dazzle you with crazy punch lines and metaphors, or give you a lyrical analysis of the presidential race, but when it comes to his brand of Hip-Hop, he’s capable of selling more cocaine than Scarface and Boston George put together, and he can certainly fire more people than Bill Gates and Donald Trump. And for his fan base, that’s pretty much all they’re concerned about.