Rick Ross stays in his luxe lane on “Black Market.”
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TOP 5
Honorable Mention. D.O.P.E
“D.O.P.E.” straddles the fine line between predictable and unexpectedly effective. Yes, we’ve heard Rick Ross and Future rap about drugs since what feels like the Ice Age—but this time, they manage to bring a clever edge to a tired topic.
Future’s hook is repetitive, sure, but it’s undeniably catchy, delivered with his usual hypnotic charm. The production is elite—minimal, dark, and clean, giving Ross all the space he needs to flex. He slides through the beat like a trap sensei, perfectly in sync with the instrumental’s rhythm and tone.
Honorable Mention. Crocodile Python
On “Crocodile Python,” Rick Ross takes aim at his baby mama, the haters hoping to see him fall, and the leeches lurking in his pockets. The track plays like a message to anyone betting against him: he’s good, unfazed, and still very rich.
The production is a standout—lush, elegant, and full of class. It sounds like something you’d hear playing in a Maybach while sipping champagne with suede gloves on. And Ross? He moves through the track like a man who hasn’t broken a sweat, let alone a fingernail.
5. Ghostwriter
Rick Ross reminds both newcomers and longtime fans that he’s written tracks for some of the biggest names in the industry. The first person that comes to mind when he mentions this in his opening verse? Diddy‘s nasty-ass.
Ross also touches on his ability to avoid bad business deals, crediting his connections with powerful figures for keeping him out of trouble. The result is a track filled with reflection, resilience, and quiet confidence.
What really makes the song stand out, though, is the chorus—it’s not only catchy but also powerful, the kind that sticks with you long after the track ends.
Ross delivers much of the song in a humble, conversational tone, but every so often, he raises his voice like a man fully aware of his legend status—and those moments hit hard. Add in the heroic, cinematic production, and you’ve got a track that feels tailor-made for a modern-day kingpin.
4. Smile Mama, Smile (Ft. CeeLo Green)
Yes, Rick Ross has parents, and in the emotional “Smile Mama, Smile,” he pays a heartfelt tribute to them. He opens up about losing his father at a young age and the sacrifices his mother made to give him everything she could afford. It’s a rare moment of raw vulnerability from the Miami rapper, and one that resonates deeply.
While Ross’s honest, reflective lyrics deserve praise, CeeLo Green’s passionate and powerful vocal performance elevates the track to another level. His voice brings a gospel-like warmth and sincerity that perfectly complements the soothing, timeless-sounding production.
3. Free Enterprise
“Free Enterprise” is a powerful and thought-provoking opening to this album. Anchored by a grandiose, dramatic instrumental, the track sets the tone for introspection, social commentary, and unfiltered lyricism.
Ross uses the beat’s cinematic feel as a canvas for reflection, speaking candidly about his rough upbringing, growing respect for women, and even controversially suggesting the assassination of Donald Trump. Despite the track’s calm and soulful production, Ross delivers his verses with his trademark burliness and swagger, giving some lines a tone that feels half-sarcastic, half-dead serious.
Adding to the emotional weight is John Legend, who surprisingly only appears at the very end, but steals the moment with a soul-stirring outro that adds a poignant finish to the track.
2. One Of Us (Ft. Nas)
Lowkey, Rick Ross and Nas have built quite the rapport over the years. In fact, their bond is so strong that Nas has appeared on a Self Made album. On their new collaboration, “One Of Us,” the chemistry is still very much alive.
The two rap icons go back and forth about making strategic moves in the streets, indulging in lavish lifestyles, and eliminating threats without hesitation. What’s especially striking is how both artists glide effortlessly over a villainous, cinematic instrumental—the kind that sounds tailor-made for mob bosses plotting in silence. Their reserved delivery only adds to the track’s chilling intensity, making every bar feel calculated and deadly.
1. Sorry (Ft. Chris Brown)
When two artists known for dominating tracks with outsized energy team up, you might expect a battle of egos. But on “Sorry,” Rick Ross and Chris Brown take a softer approach, opting for vulnerability and reflection over bombast — and the result is one of their most well-balanced collaborations yet.
Chris Brown sets the emotional tone, delivering a passionate vocal performance that dives deep into the complexities of love, regret, and redemption. His singing is heartfelt and raw, giving the track an emotional backbone that’s hard to ignore.
Interestingly, Rick Ross — known for his booming delivery — matches the vibe with verses that are subdued, introspective, and thoughtfully delivered. While he drops a few classic Ross lines about keeping it trill, his restrained tone adds depth rather than distraction.
The instrumental is gentle and welcoming, complementing the reflective mood. It’s not just a good song — it’s a surprisingly vulnerable one from two artists who rarely play it this soft.
SONG BY SONG BREAKDOWN
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OVERALL RATING
(7.9/10)
If there’s one thing you can always count on from a Rick Ross album, it’s sharp lyricism paired with lush, polished production—and Black Market delivers both in abundance.
Throughout the project, Ross leans heavily into his signature themes: wealth, women, and enemies who can’t keep up. The beats are elegant yet rooted in Southern trap, creating a luxurious soundscape that feels like sipping champagne in a bulletproof Maybach.
Lyrically, Ross is in his usual boss-mode bag, flexing his financial dominance and playboy lifestyle. But there are also compelling detours into more personal territory—moments where he opens up about family and lost love, adding depth to the record and giving listeners a glimpse beneath the fur coat.
If there’s a downside to the project, it’s the hooks. A few, like “Can’t Say No” and “D.O.P.E.,” fall into generic territory and don’t quite elevate the surrounding verses. And while Ross sticks to what he does best, those hoping for more modern or experimental sounds may feel like the album plays it safe.
Still, Black Market flows well and offers fans a consistent, satisfying version of Rick Ross—unapologetically lavish, occasionally vulnerable, and always confident.
Quincy is the creator of Ratings Game Music. He loves writing about music, taking long walks on beaches, and spaghetti that fights him back.
