Rick Ross doesn’t reinvent the wheel on “Set In Stone,” but he reminds fans why his braggadocious rap style still works.
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TOP 5
5. Diamonds Never Die (Ft. Kodak Black & Ball Greezy)
“Who does he play for?” That was genuinely my reaction after hearing Ball Greezy on this track. Somehow, he comes in sounding like a combination of John Legend and Yung Bleu, completely taking over the record and sounding incredibly comfortable over the luxurious, celebratory production.
Of course, Rick Ross and Kodak Black still do what they do best. Ross brings that boss-like confidence, reflecting on his journey, his past in the streets, and the lifestyle he built for himself. Kodak comes through with the rawer energy, paying respect to Ross while talking about staying solid, moving forward, and never forgetting where he came from. But honestly, the biggest takeaway here is Ball Greezy. I came into this song expecting Ross and Kodak to shine, but I left ready to hand Ball Greezy an award.
4. Living Large (Ft. BigXThaPlug)
The biggest obstacle for me on this track is the beat. I understand what they were going for, but the Game Boy Advance-inspired production just isn’t my favorite, especially when it takes over the chorus.
Thankfully, Ross and BigXThaPlug do enough to make the song work. Ross sounds like he’s having a great time, delivering a hook that gets stuck in your head and a verse where he effortlessly slides between flows. His confidence and nonstop flexing fit his persona perfectly. BigXThaPlug also brings plenty of personality, mixing his usual street perspective with some well-earned bragging about his success.
When it’s all said and done, this is a great song. More importantly, I love seeing two medically obese artists link up in the 2020s.
3. Remarkable Hustle (Ft. Leon Thomas)
One of the most unexpected features on the project ended up being one of my favorites. Leon Thomas absolutely shines on “Remarkable Hustle,” delivering a passionate, soulful performance over lush production that gives the track a timeless mob-boss aura. Rick Ross is equally locked in. He sounds smooth, unapologetic, and larger than life as he pays tribute to Nipsey Hussle while reminding the rest of us that we’re just trying to keep up.
Everything about this record screams luxury. In my opinion, it’s the most lavish song on the album by a country mile. Honestly, this is exactly the kind of music I pay Apple $11.99 a month through my Verizon plan to hear.
2. Minks In Miami (Ft. French Montana & Max B)
There are so many things about “Minks In Miami” that confuse me. First off, if the song is called “Minks In Miami,” and both French Montana and Max B are New York guys, why does the beat sound like it was made for a sunset drive through Los Angeles? Secondly, how many albums is this track actually on? I’ve lost count. Whatever the case may be, there’s no denying it’s one of the hottest songs of the summer. Rick Ross absolutely snaps, bringing the gritty presence the production desperately needs. Max B delivers an outrageous, almost nonsensical hook that somehow ends up being incredibly catchy, while French Montana glides through with a verse full of punchlines and effortless swagger. Against all odds, this collaboration works way better than it probably should.
1. Maybach Music VII (Ft. Don Toliver & Jeezy)
I’ll be honest: I think Rick Ross should retire the “Maybach Music” series. There’s just no topping “Maybach Music III” with Lil Wayne and Kanye West. That said, this is easily one of the better installments in the franchise. The production is luxurious and elegant, sounding exactly how a song with this title should sound. Ross attacks it with his trademark measured flow, delivering vivid, larger-than-life bars that make you want to clench your fist like Arthur. Don Toliver glides in with a smooth, melodic hook that fits the instrumental perfectly, while Jeezy reminds everyone why he’s one of rap’s greatest hustlers, delivering a gritty, confident verse that feels straight out of his prime. By the time the song ends, you realize this collaboration absolutely works. Yeah… this one left a good taste in my mouth. (Pause.)
SONG BY SONG BREAKDOWN
1. Caviar Bumps (3.5/5)
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Check out the individual track ratings we gave—these are what we used to calculate the overall score
RGM RATING
(C)
Set In Stone is a reminder that Rick Ross can still rap at a very high level, even if he hasn’t fully recaptured the magic of his legendary run. Throughout the album, he sounds completely comfortable in his lane, delivering the luxurious imagery, commanding delivery, and larger-than-life presence that have defined his career. Lyrically, though, he occasionally walks the line between supreme confidence and subtle insecurity, spending a little too much time comparing himself to his peers. It doesn’t ruin the experience, but it does hold the album back slightly. Interestingly enough, for those Drake stans wondering, he barely gets mentioned here, if at all.
One of the biggest talking points surrounding the project is its heavy reliance on guest appearances. With features appearing on nearly every track, the album occasionally feels like it is trying to create a moment with every song. Some collaborations are absolutely necessary, while others feel like they could have been left off. Artists like Don Toliver, Jeezy, T.I., and Leon Thomas bring memorable performances that add real value to the project, while a few other appearances do not have the same impact (I’m looking at you. Yung Miami and The-Dream).
The album also puts Ross in a position similar to that of another veteran rapper, T.I. Both artists remain incredibly skilled lyricists who can still outperform many younger artists, but both have struggled to recapture the excitement and cultural impact of their classic albums. On Set In Stone, Ross occasionally revisits the sounds and formulas that made him successful in the past. While those moments can feel familiar or even slightly outdated, they also serve as reminders of why fans connected with him in the first place.
Ultimately, Set In Stone is not the next Teflon Don or Deeper Than Rap, but it does not need to be. The album succeeds because Ross understands his strengths and continues to deliver the type of music his core audience loves. Fans looking for the vintage Rick Ross experience will find plenty to appreciate, even if the project does not reach the heights of his greatest work.
Quincy is the creator of Ratings Game Music. He loves writing about music, taking long walks on beaches, and spaghetti that fights him back.
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