No matter what you think of Rick Ross the emcee, at this all point we can say unequivocally he is the best beat selector in the history of hip-hop and POM2 lends further credence to that fact.
The production is stellar; it’s almost as if the legend of Ross picking beats has affected (in a beautiful way) the producers to bring their A plus and hope it makes the listing. Hell, even producers who did not contribute beats bring their best-Swizz Beats anyone? His chants and Ad-Libs have reached epic Jeezy like levels (more on Jizzle later) on POM2’s masterpiece amongst masterpieces “BIG TYME” courtesy of Just Blaze.
Ross’s verses on the “BIG TYME” are BIG-GIE-ISH (in a masterful way). Remember Big’s unmatched agility and wit on “Victory” with bars like “Used to call me fatso, now you call me Castro”
Former trapper turned rhyme slinger Rohzay finishing off verse one with cinematic dope boy talk “I just spoke to Meech I think I’m Pacino” and transitions seamlessly to verse two opening with “I pray somebody tell you bout these bumpy roads, only map to follow is your bible quotes… I watch your actions not just captions and the shit that you post”
Ross is more special on the mic than heads give him credit for and this album serves truth to that. Go listen to Ross on POM1 versus now; he’s greater, and so is this album.
The album is littered with guest appearances who achieve varying scales in terms of results. The best guest appearance arguably did not make the cut-Pusha-T was slated to be on the always brilliant Maybach song series. Pusha is seething and unforgiving as his verses are. Those who have heard his verse know what is. Part VI does feature one of the best Wayne features in recent memory. I do not think we will see King Push and Weezy together on record. Much respect to Ross for trying.
For Those Wondering, Here’s Pusha T’s Verse For “Maybach Music VI” 👀🔥 pic.twitter.com/ya5HeuZ8gc
— DJ First Class™ 🏁 (@1DJFirstClass) August 9, 2019
There may not be a better hit making combo the last decade than Ross and Drake and the album’s closer “Gold Roses” find them striking gold (pun intended) again. I can already see this track shutting down every club and lounge for the near future.
Nipsey proves prophetic on “Rich N***a Lifestyle” while Gunplay gets downright cannot quote a bar greasy on the murderous (and personal favorite) “Nobody’s Favorite.”
MMG alumni Wale and Meek Mill come through and give you what you have come to expect from both, Ross remains the star throughout the star studded list.
Rumors the Boss have lost his tools are slightly premature. “Turnpike Ike” showcases Ross’s ability to make a movie out of a song in under five minutes.
There are drawbacks on POM2. I have heard these samples before, most notably used by Raekwon and Hov, but that’s nitpicking; which is what you do when you do these reviews. Especially as close to a classic album is this is. A lot of samples however.
The promising “Born To Kill” is bought to a screeching halt by Jeezy who literally sounds like he mailed in his verse and then stuck it in the mail. 104 is on the way let’s pray for redemption.
Subject matter wise, you know what you were getting when you pre-ordered it, Ross does an adequate job of diversifying, “Pray” and “Fascinated” comes to mind, but the core of the content remains. The album is called Port Of Miami 2, he’s not about to talk about depression or donating money to Dade county schools. But if he did, it would be to a ridiculously dope beat.
POM2 is in the running for album of the year with Tyler’s IGOR, and can be argued that it is his most complete and best piece of work yet along with Teflon Don and God Forgives… A rarity of a great album for someone with his track record and longevity.
Beats-10
Rhymes-8.5
Life-8
Overall-8.8 out of 10