Singles like “Speedin” and “Here I Am” are songs that encapsulate Ross’ love of flamboyance and luxury – and the more idealistic visions of Miami. Trilla is a masterclass in this luxury rap style of music. Producers like Cool & Dre, The Runners, and Drumma Boy helped make songs, helmed by posh pianos and motor synths that trigger visions of speedboats and all-white soirees yet still club-ready with heavy bass. It was a way of turning the phrase “black excellence” into a genre. Instead, rappers were taking a page from the shiny suit era of the late 90s and making music that sounded like wealth and exclusivity. The music was shirking away from the cave-your-chest-in early aughts gangsta rap that 50 Cent’s Get Rich Or Die Tryin’ helped make popular. In 2008, mainstream rap was leaning more and more extravagant. His second album, Trilla, embodies this vibe from the (literally) thunderous intro, the shoutouts to Opa-Locka and Carol City, the grimy production, and the love for strip clubs. He became one of the biggest artists in music while never abandoning that luxurious South Beach vibe throughout his entire catalog. Those tropical steel drums and island-influenced rhythms took over the entire state – it’s our one connection.Īnd that’s what Rick Ross’ music and career embodies. When anyone – including myself – speaks on the music scene here, what they’re really talking about is the sounds of South Florida. Their culture, style, and taste in music was the essence of that extravagant Florida lifestyle. In college at Florida State, I was surrounded by kids from South Florida many of my classmates were from some of the grimiest parts of Miami. I grew up in the Panhandle of Florida – Tallahassee to be specific – surrounded by swamps, dirt roads, and very few street lights. It truly is America’s armpit: sweaty, musty, but full of character. The reality is, most of Florida is grimy, swamp-ridden, and humid as hell. When most people think of Florida – outside of its bourgeoning young rap scene and OGs like Rick Ross, Trina, Poe Boy Entertainment, and the entire Slip N Slide family – they’re reminded of headlines about criminals and degenerates maybe some alligator incidents, and South Beach Miami.
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