Can Rick Ross Make A Successful Song Without Features?
Recently on an episode of Oversaturated The Podcast, the two co-host Ralph and Johnnie discussed Rick Ross’ latest album Port of Miami 2. Throughout the duration of the show, they debated on Ross’ ability to create a solid record without features.
Let’s layout a timeline of songs by Ross and dissect whether or not his most successful singles had features on them.
2006- “Hustlin’
It peaked at #54 on the Billboard 100 chart
#11 on the Hot R&b/Hip Hop song chart
#7 Hot Rap Song
2005- “Push It”
#57 on the Billboard 100 chart
#15 on the Hot R&b/Hip Hop song chart
#10 Hot Rap Song
#86 Pop 100 Billboard
2010- “Here I Am” featuring Nelly & Avery Storm
#41 on the Billboard 100 chart
#9 on the Hot R&b/Hip Hop song chart
#5 Hot Rap Song
#86 Pop 100 Billboard
2011- “Aston Martin Music” featuring Drake & Chrisette Michelle
#30 on the Billboard 100 chart
#2 on the Hot R&b/Hip Hop song chart
#1 Hot Rap Song
2012- “Stay Scheming” featuring Drake
It peaked at #58 on the Billboard 100 chart
#40 on the Hot R&b/Hip Hop song chart
#20 Hot Rap Song
While the album is indeed feature heavy, Ross has records that charted at No. 1 on the Top R&B/HipHop album charts just last week.
Overall, his highly charted singles are with features. Speaking of which, his singles off the new album have features such as “Act A Fool” featuring Wale (No. 45 on Hot R&B/HipHop chart), and “Gold Roses” featuring Drake (No. 16 on Hot R&B/HipHop chart).
Even songs off the album that weren’t singles charted, such as “Summer Reign,” featuring Summer Walker (No. 47), “Turnpike Ike” (No. 49) and “Nobody’s Favorite,” featuring Gunplay (No.5)
It’s clear that Ross is known for having someone featured on his songs and is it really a bad thing? Not really. To answer the original question, yes Ross can make a successful song without a single BUT not as successful of a song that he does with a feature on it. Not everyone can pull a J.Cole and drop an album with no features and it goes 3X platinum. It’s a gift.
What are your thoughts on Ross’ new album and his features?