Rick Ross

Rick Ross is the poster child for quality over authenticity: the revisionist history of his life as a criminal mastermind is tolerated because he typically crafts great records. He is one of rap's most prominent figures as a result, and his long awaited follow up to 2012's God Forgives, I Don't has been oft delayed and subject to mercurial decision making. Ross himself is known for his embellishing style, whether in respects to his music or his carefully nurtured persona, but since the release of his critically acclaimed and commercially successful breakout Teflon Don, the rollouts from his albums haven't needed any push: his status sells records for him. It appears he is poised to make another run now prepping his next release entitled Mastermind with what is sure to be a momentum-swinging single.

The track is called "The Devil Is A Lie," and it features frequent collaborator and former Def Jam boss, Jay Z. The two MCs have worked together on the "Hustlin'" (Remix), "Maybach Music," "Free Mason," "3 Kings," and most recently on "FuckWitMeYouKnowIGotIt," but this may be their best collaboration yet. The record is produced by KE On The Beat, and it features heavy, semi-distorted horns and rapidly firing hi hats. Rozay masterfully maneuvers the soul sample with his gruff, resonant voice, and he delivers bars like, "Four stacks for the heels on my bitch feet / Car seats still smelling like 10 ki's / Tell a plug that I'm lookin' for increase / Wingstop, fat boy need a 10 piece." Jay Z approaches his verse here the same way he tackled the verse on "Free Mason," attacking critics who suggest a black man can't be successful without the help of a supernatural force. The MCs' unique chemistry is apparent throughout, and Rick Ross is always at best when utilizing soul. Jay Z brings an added dimension and perspective with his wit, and there is no question that this is a smash.

Don't take my word for it though, listen for yourself. Stream Rick Ross' "The Devil Is A Lie" featuring Jay Z below, and be on the lookout for more details regarding the MMG boss' new album, Mastermind, soon.

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