Today in Hip-Hop: Rick Ross Drops ‘Deeper Than Rap’ Album

On this day, April 21, in hip-hop history...

2009: Amid allegations that, at the time, seemed to threaten his career, and a beef with one of the biggest artists in the game, Rick Ross triumphantly released his third solo studio album Deeper Than Rap on April 21.

The album came during a pivotal time in the Bawse's tenure in the rap game. Months after the release of his 2008 sophomore album Trilla, Ross was surrounded by controversy when pictures and information came out that revealed he formerly worked as a correction's officer.

The street single for the album, "Mafia Music," then kicked off a beef with then formidable foe 50 Cent, birthing Fif's Pimpin' Curly character, and fostering a wild back-and-forth that played out on the internet.

The fuss, along with big records like "Magnificent" featuring John Legend, "Maybach Music 2" featuring Kanye West, Lil Wayne and T-Pain and "All I Really Want" featuring The-Dream, only helped boost the project, as well as standout tracks like "Rich Off Cocaine" and "Yacht Club." Known for his beat-picking prowess, the Miami rapper employed J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League, The Inkredibles, The Runners, Tricky Stewart, Bigg D, DJ Toomp, Drumma Boy and Bink! on the release.

While the album didn't fulfill Ross' prediction of surpassing the sales of 50 Cent's magnum opus Get Rich or Die Tryin, the LP marked Rozay's third consecutive album to debut at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, moving 158,000 copies in its first week.

At the time, Ross told XXL he thought the offering was 2009's best rap release. "Deeper Than Rap was the album of the year, hands down, you know music-wise," he said. "But you know, it’s a lot of hot music that came out. Whatever it is, we gon keep doing what what we doing and keep making hot music, so it’s all good. I love when everybody competitive and making hit records, it’s better for the sport, nah mean?"

Despite receiving some acclaim, the LP was snubbed for a nomination at the 52nd annual Grammy Awards. However, the album remains one of Rozay's most solid releases to date.

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