Courtesy of www.writersblockmedia.net

So, last night Rick Ross had an album listening party at Patchwerk Studios here in ATL. For you non music industry folks, an album listening party is when an artist previews tracks from their forthcoming album to a room full of DJs, producers, writers, promoters, other artists, goons, groupies and whoever else is in the building. If you ask me, events like this are to stoke an artist's ego, because people hear the songs from an album and no matter how wack the tracks are, people automatically start sucking dick like, "oh my God, that song was so incredible" (GTFOH). I really don't give a shit about going to listening parties but since I'm a music editor, it's kinda my job to be in attendance and since they usually have free food and dranks, it's really not that bad.

Anyways, Ricky Ross was previewing Trilla and we got there a little late, so I didn't really get a chance to hear a whole lot of Ross' album. I mean, I wasn't really expecting much, considering all the songs I've heard from the album, up to last night, had kinda sucked. But after hearing some other tracks last night, it kinda peaked my interest a bit.

There were two songs off the album that I really liked. 1) "Maybach Music" featuring Jay-Z. I wasn't really paying attention to the song until I heard Hova start rapping, and once he did, the song became an instant classic and room favorite. Not that Ross isn't a decent rapper, but when he's paired with Jigga on a track, he's better off sitting his ass down and letting the real boss do his thing, which is pretty much what Rick Ross did on the track. 2) The other track I really liked was "Luxury Tax." This one had Trick Daddy (I guess him and Ross are friends now), Young Jeezy and Lil Weasel...I mean, Lil Wayne, (who absolutely murdered the track). It’s a must hear.

I don't really remember what the rest of the album sounds like, but it doesn't really matter. Those two songs alone are enough for me to pick up the album when it drops, or at least download the album when it leaks. Congratulations, Ross, on a successful listening party. Your album went from potential weed plate to heavy rotation in my books and for that, I tip my hat. Just keep your shirt on during interviews from now on, that shit just ain't right.