On this day, March 11, in hip-hop history...

2008: Rick Ross, having built up a name for himself with the his platinum debut album Port of Miami two years prior, dropped his sophomore effort Trilla on March 11, 2008 with Def Jam Recordings, Slip-n-Slide Records and Poe Boy Entertainment. With classic tracks like "The Boss" and "Maybach Music" the album was an instant hit among fans and shot to the number one spot on the Billboard 200 list, and sold nearly 200,000 copies in its first week. Ross tapped a number of big name features for 'Trilla' such as Jay-Z, R. Kelly, T-Pain, Lil Wayne, Nelly and Jeezy.

He previously released three songs off of Trilla before the album's official debut, teasing fans with "The Boss" featuring T-Pain, "Speedin'" featuring R. Kelly, and "Here I Am" featuring Nelly and Avery Storm.

Ross said at the time that he got the inspiration for the album's title from hearing legendary Southern artists like Bun B and Pimp C use the word "trill" and put his own spin on it. He was inspired by Michael Jackson's album Thriller and transformed it into hip-hop with Trilla.

Rozay has stayed busy in the ever since, releasing seven albums over the last ten years, the most popular being 'Teflon Don in 2010 and God Forgives, I Don't in 2012. Aside from his musical success, he's also proved himself as a businessman, launching a line of beard care products and trying his hand in the marijuana industry.

Ross' physical health has been of concern recently, after the rapper was found unconscious at his Miami home and rushed to the hospital on March 1, 2018. He previously suffered from seizures, but this time around, it was reported as a possible case of pneumonia. Fortunately, Ross was released from the hospital after spending four days there, and was recently spotted shopping with his daughters.

Here's to Trilla and hoping we can expect more classics from Rick Ross in the future.

Island Def Jam Music
Island Def Jam Music
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