Ever since Jay-Z first signed Rick Ross to Def Jam in the mid-2000's, the two have worked on many great works, which the world was recently reminded of with the release of Ross's new song "Movin' Bass," off of his upcoming
Hood Billionaire album. In that spirit, I present the 5 of those songs that most signified their greatness as collaborators. That said, let's look at the top 5 songs from two of the biggest bosses in rap.
5. Free Mason - Rick Ross feat. Jay-Z & John Legend (2010)
Teflon Don is arguably Ross's best work so far. While all of his albums since have been highly anticipated, and events in their own right, none hit as hard as this one. A big part of that is this soulful jam, using the sound that would define Ross's best songs to create an anthem that critics and fans alike can enjoy. With John Legend providing additional vocals, and Rozay and Hov complimenting each other's flow nicely, this is definitely a highlight in their works they have done together.
4. FuckWithMeYouKnowIGotIt - Jay-Z feat. Rick Ross (2013)
If "Free Mason" is an excellent example of the two bringing the lush, soulful sound they can both do so well, this is more of one of the street bangers in the lines of Ross's songs like "BMF," "Hold Me Back," "MC Hammer," and his recent "Elvis Presley BLVD." Jay may seem to step into somewhat unusual territory for him, but he does a great job of owning what would otherwise seem to be Rick Ross's song.
3. The Devil is a Lie - Rick Ross feat. Jay-Z (2014)
This song is one that Ross classified as "soulful" before it dropped, but it's not only way harder than that, but it also meshes both the sounds of "Free Mason" and "FWMYKIGI" into something unique for both of them. And, as usual, they both make the listener want to constantly rewind the song to hear it again. It's a song fit for hustlers, written by bosses.
2. Maybach Music - Rick Ross feat. Jay-Z (2008)
True, there are songs in the "Maybach Music" series that are better than this (at least in my opinion), but this is undoubtedly the song that definitively changed Ross's career. After this, Maybach Music Group was formed, and for the next couple of years, Rozay and his camp would run the rap game. It doesn't hurt that Jay-Z has probably his best verse of the bunch on here.
That is, except for.............
1. 3 Kings - Rick Ross feat. Dr. Dre & Jay-Z (2012)
The title describes the song in a nutshell. 3 kings, one song. The beat is amazing, Dre makes an appearance (with a verse obviously penned by Ross, but it's all good.) The three of them all tackle this beat in their respective ways, but Jay's verse at the end..... DAMN. He hands down stole the show here. No question. That isn't to say it isn't the only good part of the song, but Jay killed the beat so bad it tapped out at the end, and left the audience wanting even more. It's a song by bosses, for bosses, and definitely the best collaboration Rozay and Jay have done so far. (Let's hope Dre gets in the mix again in the future, though.)
