Planet Ill Breakdown: Rick Ross Feat. Drake-Made Men

Posted On: January 4, 2011
Posted By: odeisel
Comments: 2

By Odeisel

Rappers have admired the mafia for decades, mirroring America’s fascination with outlaws. They like to present themselves as modern day Dons and Rick Ross in particular thinks he’s as smooth as Teflon. He invites Drizzy to get his hands dirty on the too-late-for Ashes to Ashes track “Made Men.”

The double snares are in full effect atop dirty, muffled drums and various atmospheric sound effects. There are key progressions that push the track forwards and subtle organ work beneath for depth. Could be worse; at least it isn’t another Lex Luger beat.

Rick Ross employs that simple slow paced flow that lends itself to couplets and easy word play. There is no complex arrangement and his delivery is peppered with timing pauses and grunts that keep him on beat. Ross is in full fantasy mode and connects his rhymes with a diverse group of pop stars including Rihanna, Katy Perry, Ving Rhames, Madonna, Usher, Michael Jackson, T-Pain and more. Ross’ two verses concern haters, incarceration, Miami, coke, and all the other shit he normally talks about. He’s getting so much money he doesn’t bother to count it anymore. If it’s wrong, it’s wrong. Seriously.

Drake outclasses Ross on this verse with a smooth, confidence earned through a couple years of hit-making success. He opens in a low, nasal voice but after four bars he goes higher into his normal cadence. He too mentions Rihanna, not because she’s got a red top like Ross, but because Mr. Graham insinuates that he took her down. He represents the TO but the honeys think he’s Creole, he’s rolling to Heat games and buying “hoes furs.” Drake gives a shout out to the label and Homie the Clown in a solid verse.

You’ve heard this song done before, but it’s dope. Not inventive by any means but it will keep your car booming with noise and add a little oomph to Drake’s hardcore card. “Made Men.” Enjoy.

Subscribe To Planet Ill