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God Forgives, I Don't

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This article is about the album. For the 1967 spaghetti western film, see God Forgives... I Don't!
Untitled

God Forgives, I Don't is the upcoming fifth studio album by American hip hop artist Rick Ross, set to be released through Def Jam Recordings (Universal Music Group) and his own label Maybach Music Group on July 31, 2012.[1]

Background and development

Ross first revealed the title of his fifth album on January 4, 2011 on the Breakfast Club, along with the release of the song "Made Men" featuring Drake produced by 2 Tall Beats.[2] A music video for the song was later released on April 11, 2011.[3] Made Men will not make the album, as Ross confirmed it just to be on his Ashes to Ashes mixtape.[4] The album was highly promoted by the official Twitter account of Maybach Music Group, along with DJ Khaled. Drake spoke on the album during an interview with MTV saying "That God Forgives I Don't; the only way I can describe it, it's like Snoop Dogg's Doggystyle, The Notorious B.I.G.'s Ready to Die, or Clipse's Lord Willin' or any of the albums that I collected and held on to as a kid — whether it was cassette or CD."[5] DJ Khaled also sang Rozay's praises when MTV News interviewed him back in July. "God Forgives, I Don't is a classic-in-the-making. Let me tell you something right now: This album is so crazy from the beginning of what I've been in the studio hearing already," he said. "I can't give you too much because I'm going to let him do that, because that's his project, but I could tell you right now it's classic and he is talking that talk."[5] Rick Ross revealed that he would like to collaborate with Lionel Richie on the album.[6] In an interview with hip-hop magazine XXL, Bun B confirmed that he would appear on God Forgives, I Don't, but did not make the final cut of the album.[7] Rick Ross spoke about the album during an interview with MTV at the October 11th BET Hip Hop Awards saying that "Me making my album is just a real tedious process that I go through and the response from the people that I did play a few records for, the feedback is incredible" and he also spoke on his upcoming collaboration with Mary J. Blige. "That's the Queen. I can just tell you about the experience," he said. "We actually worked in Michael Jackson's L.A. studio and we made some magic."[8] Mary J. Blige also spoke of the experience with XXL in September, clarifying that the two actually recorded in the last studio the King of Pop ever recorded in. "It's a private studio that one of our friends, he was really close to Michael Jackson, he let us use it," Mary said. "It's actually Marvin Gaye's studio. It has murals of Michael Jackson all over the walls and Marvin Gaye. That was the last place Michael actually worked at before he passed. It's such a good vibe."[9] The first video log of the making of God Forgives, I Don't was released, and featured The Alchemist, in a studio session released by Rick Ross.[10]

On October 4, Ross appeared on the radio station WQHT; during an interview with Funkmaster Flex, he premiered two purported singles for God Forgives, I Don't, titled "You the Boss" and "I Love My Bitches". Ross would later announce neither song would make the album. Funkmaster Flex interviewed Ross on topics such as his beef with Kreayshawn and Young Jeezy, along with details from the new album, however Ross declined to divulge information on the album, preferring to keep details of the project under wraps.[11] Two days later on October 6, Ross appeared on the Breakfast Club to promote the album. Ross maintained his tight-lipped approach of not divulging details of God Forgives, I Don't.[12] Later on October 6, Rick Ross along with Def Jam Records held the official GFID Conference Call, to discuss the album and have Ross answer questions. When callers of the music industry asked questions on producers and features of the album, Ross declined to answer, stating that recording God Forgives, I Don't was still in process and did not wish to disclose too many details of the album, preferring to open up about the album as the release date nears. Ross emphasized that less features would be on the album, as opposed to previous releases, as well as creating the album with a "90s Vintage hip-hop sound.[13][14] Ross recently worked with Dr. Dre, saying that Dre "highly influenced" his work. Ross confirmed that he and Dre collaborated on records for God Forgives, I Don't as well as Dr. Dre's long-delayed album Detox.[15][16]

File:MMGPressConference.jpg
Rick Ross, and other members of Maybach Music Group, at the MMG Press Conference as Ross speaks on his album, God Forgives, I Don't.

While on his 2012 European Tour, Ross explained the reasoning for the album title, saying "I wanted to approach [this album] like Scorsese would have approached a film. I wanted it to be a bold statement, a dark statement and have music to tell the story behind it. It felt like a film." During his July promo tour, Ross elaborated, "I knew approaching this album, I wanted to approach titling it a lot different from previous albums. I wanted it to be strong and impactful. The first half is God Forgives: It's a lot of us need forgiveness. I Don't represented the street aspect of life. I feel we have both sides that we deal with in life. I gave 'em one of those feelings that it was a motion picture, a masterpiece, five-star."[17] Ross also confirmed Jay-Z as a featured artist.[18]

After much anticipation and an initial pushback, Ross announced the release date of the album to be July 31, at an MMG Press Conference on May 2. He also announced that no previously released singles, or material from his Rich Forever mixtape would be on the album, saying the album would be "100% new". Ross stated that the album would be his most complete and best body of work yet.[19] At the press conference, Ross spoke a bit on the album, saying: "God Forgives, I Don't is a very dark story. It's extremely lyrical, the music is next level. I'm expecting nothing but the biggest results. The collaborations will surprise you guys. This album is the missing part of my legacy. This is gonna put me over the top."[20] Ross ended the press conference stating,

I will deliver.[21]

On June 12, 2012, Ross re-released the official album artwork in a video promoting the album.[22] On June 30, the official deluxe cover was released via Rap-Up.[23] On July 3, the album was made available to pre-order.[24]

In an interview with MTV News, Rozay previewed his new album. Ross spoke on the title, the cover, the recording process, the cinematic influence, and a few tracks.[25] Ross stated that several photos were shot inside a church. He elaborated saying, "I remember sitting in the church just waiting for the photographer, and I remember sitting in there praying, just being thankful. I knew I wanted to have 10 Jesus pieces on. Of course, one Jesus piece was always fly, but I just wanted 10. I just wanted to go to that next level."[26] Ross stated that he kept an extremely small circle during the entire recording process. "I keep my circle extremely small when it comes to me recording my music. I put the music together before I even put the words to the music, because I feel it's easier for me to write the words and make it fit the music versus me finding music that can fit my words."[27] Ross has stated numerous times how he has compared this album to films, and has taken a cinematic approach during the entire development of the album. Ross expanded by saying "This may be Inglourious Basterds, man. We gonna peel your scalp back on this one. Quentin Tarantino, that's one of the vibes I was in when I titled the album. I wanted to approach it like a film."[28] Ross also spoke on the concepts of a few tracks from the album. Ross said the track Amsterdam was based on the red light district, "I kinda flipped it where being a boss you gotta get approval for a green light. I'm one of those people you can't green light. As long I've been in this game, there's been a lot of talk, but ain't nobody stepped on these 11 and a half's. The reason being: This is the red light district, you can't move on this side."[29] Rozay had spoken about the track Diced Pineapples as well, saying that "When I got out of the hospital — you know, I had a seizure last year — when I was leaving, the doctor told me, 'You gotta eat some more fruit, drink you some water, eat fruit and just relax for a little while.' My fruit of choice was pineapples. For the next three weeks, I woke up every morning and ate diced pineapples, and I put the concept together. Drizzy came in, as well as Wale, and it's kinda like, 'She could be my diced pineapple. This special lady, she could be what I wake up to every morning and help me get by every day."[30] Rick Ross described the album in five words with: classic, untouchable, boss, success, and revenge. He stated, "If you doubted us being here three years ago, five years ago, you don't understand hip-hop, you don't understand the power of rap music."[31]

Release and promotion

File:GFIDPromoPoster1.jpg
The first God Forgives, I Don't promotional poster released.

On December 24, 2010, Ross released the Ashes to Ashes mixtape, which included the song "9 Piece" featuring T.I. and produced by Lex Luger.[32] Following T.I.'s legal trouble, Ross scrapped T.I. from the song and instead released the official remix, featuring Lil Wayne was released on April 4, 2011, which was used as the first street single for the album.[33] "9 Piece" was released to iTunes on May 10,[34] and debuted at number sixty-one on the Billboard Hot 100. Exactly six months later, on October 4, 2011, Rick Ross released the album's first two singles. The lead single was "You the Boss" featuring Nicki Minaj, and the second was titled "I Love My Bitches", which was produced by Just Blaze. Three days later on October 7, both tracks were released on iTunes for purchase.[35][36] In early October, Ross published the first promotional picture of God Forgives, I Don't on his Tumblr page, which showed the release date to be December 13, 2011.[37] On November 1, 2011, Rick Ross and Wale appeared on BET's 106 & Park to help promote Wale' new album, Ambition, which was released under Ross' Maybach Music imprint. Ross also promoted his own LP, God Forgives, I Don't. It was Ross' first television appearance since his reported seizures on October 14. Ross announced that he, and Jay-Z had completed a collaboration track for the album, which Rick called "the biggest record we've ever done together".[38]

File:Rich Forever, mixtape from Rick Ross, Jan 2012.jpg
The cover of Ross' Rich Forever mixtape released in early January to increase anticipation for GFID.

On November 16, 2011, Ross appeared on MTV's Rap Fix to promote Wale's Ambition album as well as to give details on his own album. Rick Ross said that the December 13 date was still tentative, but the album was likely to be pushed back to a 2012 release because of the health scare he suffered in October. Ross expanded by saying that because he was resting due to doctors orders, he was unable to work and had to postpone the groundwork of his album, which he felt was highly important. Consequently, Def Jam Records and Ross' own Maybach Music Group label had scaled back promotion of the album. Ross added that he felt he could make the December 13 date he had originally set, but felt it was in his best interest to push the album back to 2012 in order to create the best possible body of work.[39] On January 6, 2012, Rick Ross released the mixtape Rich Forever to help promote the upcoming album. The tape contained all new material and features from the likes of Diddy, 2 Chainz, Wale, Meek Mill, John Legend, Nas, Drake and French Montana among others. Two standout tracks from the mixtape, "Triple Beam Dreams" featuring Nas and "Rich Forever" featuring John Legend would later be included as bonus tracks on the deluxe version of the album.

On July 16th, Rick Ross along with Maybach Music Group, began the GFID Promo Tour, appearing on radio shows and doing interviews to promote the album.[40]

Singles

File:3KingsRozay.jpg
Although not a single, 3 Kings was promotionally released before the album, to increase hype.

On May 15, 2012, Rick Ross released the first single from the album, titled "Touch'N You" featuring Usher,[41] which was released to iTunes on May 22, 2012.[42] Rico Love, who produced and wrote the hook of the song, spoke with XXL Magazine to discuss the making of the record. He stated the track had been completed relatively quickly. One of Ross' associates, SpiffTV, had Rico play him beats that had been made for Omarion, Wale, Meek Mill, and French Montana. Rico then played the Touch'N You beat, and Spiff encouraged Rico to give the beat to Ross. Rico Love stated "Ross called me the next day. I came to his house with Ma$e. On the way over, Ma$e said ‘Make sure you play him that Touch'N You joint.’ Ross heard it and said, ‘That’s my first single.’ We made the song happen in two weeks. That’s quick. Usher loved it. After we did it, he said it felt like history." Rico says he wanted to give Ross a record the late Notorious B.I.G. would make saying, “If Biggie was here, he would have done this record. Something cool and fly, [Ross'] voice over the track was so calm and he’s talking that fly shit. That's what people wanna hear from Ross." Rico concluded saying, "Basically the record is a ode to women. A sexy song, an 'I been thinking about you all day' type song. A man telling a woman how bad he wants to touch her, feel her, be intimate with her. Ross puts it in a way, even the street dudes who don’t feel comfortable expressing themselves, feel comfortable with that. It’s a club banger and a radio smash. I’m excited for Ross because I feel it has the potential to be a radio banger.[43]

Less than a week later on May 21, 2012, Rick Ross gave Funkmaster Flex the green light to release the first street single, "So Sophisticated" featuring Meek Mill, which was also released to iTunes on June 5, 2012.

The third single was released on July 2nd, 2012, titled "Hold Me Back", which was produced by G5. Ross spoke on the concept of Hold Me Back with MTV News, saying "That's the struggle, the angle I wanted to take on that record once again from somebody who may not have much, but that don't determine where you end up in the game. From struggle to triumph, as long as you stay loyal with your clique and your family, you can overcome whatever. That's how I feel."[44]

On July 19, 2012, Ross had Funkmaster Flex premiere one of the more anticipated tracks of the album, "3 Kings" featuring rap icons Dr. Dre and Jay-Z. In an interview with DJ Semtex, Ross stated that The D.O.C. had introduced him to Dr. Dre, who then flew to Miami to work with Ross. They had created several records, one of which was 3 Kings. Ross had already completed a track with Jay-Z for the album, but decided he wanted Jay-Z on a track with Dre to have three kings on one record, hence the title 3 Kings.[45]

Track listing

No.TitleProducer(s)Length
1."Pray for Us"Harry Fraud0:59
2."Pirates"Kenoe3:23
3."3 Kings" (featuring Dr. Dre and Jay-Z)Jake One4:21
4."Ashamed"Cool & Dre4:16
5."Maybach Music IV" (featuring Ne-Yo)J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League5:14
6."Sixteen" (featuring André 3000)J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League8:18
7."Amsterdam"Cardiak3:44
8."Hold Me Back"G54:27
9."911"Young Shun5:29
10."So Sophisticated" (featuring Meek Mill)The Beat Bully, Jofmoney4:07
11."Presidential" (featuring Elijah Blake)Pharrell Williams4:09
12."Ice Cold" (featuring Omarion)Reefa3:49
13."Touch'N You" (featuring Usher)Rico Love, Mr. Morris4:12
14."Diced Pineapples" (featuring Wale and Drake)Cardiak, T-Minus4:36
15."Ten Jesus Pieces" (featuring Stalley)J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League6:51
Total length:67:52
Deluxe edition bonus tracks
No.TitleProducer(s)Length
16."Triple Beam Dreams" (featuring Nas)J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League4:41
17."Rich Forever" (featuring John Legend)DVLP & Filthy4:53
Total length:77:19

References

  1. ^ http://www.godforgivesidont.com/store/
  2. ^ "New Music: Rick Ross f/ Drake – 'Made Men'". Rap-Up.com. Retrieved 2011-10-16.
  3. ^ "New Video: Rick Ross x Drake "Made Men"". Rap Radar. 2011-04-11. Retrieved 2011-10-16.
  4. ^ http://www.sohh.com/2011/10/rick_ross_god_forgives_i_dont_will_creat.html
  5. ^ a b Markman, Rob (2011-09-01). "Drake Compares Rick Ross' Next LP To B.I.G., Snoop". MTV News. MTV Networks. Retrieved 2012-07-08. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |work= (help)
  6. ^ Paine, Jake (2011-02-08). "Rick Ross Says That He Hopes To Work With Lionel Richie". HipHop DX. Retrieved 2011-10-16.
  7. ^ Reid, Shaheem (2011-10-14). "Bun B to Appear On Rick Ross's God Forgives, I Don't". XXL. Harris Publications. Retrieved 2012-07-08.
  8. ^ Markman, Rob (2011-10-04). "Rick Ross Makes 'Magic' With Mary J. Blige". MTV News. MTV Networks. Retrieved 2012-07-08. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |work= (help)
  9. ^ "Mary J. Blige Reveals Details on Her Rick Ross Duet". Xxlmag.Com. 2011-09-27. Retrieved 2011-10-16.
  10. ^ "Peep This: Rick Ross x The Alchemist Work On 'God Forgives, I Don't'". VIBE. Retrieved 2011-10-16.
  11. ^ "Video: Rick Ross On Kreayshawn Confrontation! "She Aint Get The Memo. You Can't Be In The Same Room As Me" + Speaks Beef With Young Jeezy! "One Of His Homies Lost His Life Behind Beefin W/ Gucci Mane" [Audio]". Worldstarhiphop.com. Retrieved 2011-10-16.
  12. ^ "The Breakfast Club Interviews Rick Ross". Rap Radar. 2011-10-06. Retrieved 2011-10-16.
  13. ^ "Rick Ross Talks New Album | News". BET. Retrieved 2011-10-16.
  14. ^ "Rick Ross GFID Conference Call". Rap Radar. 2011-10-06. Retrieved 2011-10-16.
  15. ^ Markman, Rob (2012-02-12). "Rick Ross Confirms Working With Dr. Dre On Detox, God Forgives". MTV News. MTV Networks. Retrieved 2012-07-08. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |work= (help); Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  16. ^ http://rapradar.com/2012/01/31/rick-ross-on-checking-in-with-dr-dre/
  17. ^ http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1690151/rick-ross-god-forgives-i-dont-hip-hop-preview.jhtml?xrs=share_twitter
  18. ^ http://www.vibe.com/post/rick-ross-talks-touring-jay-z-upcoming-god-forgives-i-dont-album-and-more-132288
  19. ^ http://www.inflexwetrust.com/?p=274733
  20. ^ "Rick Ross Says 'God Forgives' Is Dark, 'Next Level'". MTV News. MTV Networks. 2012-04-05. Retrieved 2012-07-08. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |work= (help)
  21. ^ http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2012/07/rick-ross-god-forgives-i-dont-album-tracklisting/
  22. ^ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j_OyXsxA4qA
  23. ^ http://www.rap-up.com/2012/06/30/album-cover-rick-ross-god-forgives-i-dont-deluxe-version/
  24. ^ http://www.godforgivesidont.com/store/
  25. ^ http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1690151/rick-ross-god-forgives-i-dont-hip-hop-preview.jhtml?xrs=share_twitter
  26. ^ http://www.swaysuniverse.com/music-news-2/rick-ross-speaks-on-why-he-titled-his-album-god-forgives-i-dont
  27. ^ http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1690151/rick-ross-god-forgives-i-dont-hip-hop-preview.jhtml?xrs=share_twitter
  28. ^ http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1690151/rick-ross-god-forgives-i-dont-hip-hop-preview.jhtml?xrs=share_twitter
  29. ^ http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1690151/rick-ross-god-forgives-i-dont-hip-hop-preview.jhtml?xrs=share_twitter
  30. ^ http://rapfix.mtv.com/2012/07/23/rick-ross-gives-early-look-at-god-forgives-i-dont/
  31. ^ http://rapfix.mtv.com/2012/07/23/rick-ross-gives-early-look-at-god-forgives-i-dont/
  32. ^ "New Music: Rick Ross f/ T.I. – '9 Piece'". Rap-Up.com. 2010-12-17. Retrieved 2011-10-16.
  33. ^ "New Music: Rick Ross f/ Lil Wayne – '9 Piece'". Rap-Up.com. Retrieved 2011-10-16.
  34. ^ http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/9-piece-feat.-lil-wayne-single/id434978083
  35. ^ "Def Jam Recordings". Defjamblr.com. Retrieved 2011-10-16.
  36. ^ "Def Jam Recordings". Defjamblr.com. Retrieved 2011-10-16.
  37. ^ http://richforever.tumblr.com/post/11060591781/gfid-official-album-cover-in-stores-12-13-11
  38. ^ http://www.rap-up.com/2011/11/02/rick-ross-returns-to-television-blames-lack-of-sleep-for-seizures/
  39. ^ http://www.inflexwetrust.com/2011/11/17/video-rick-ross-confirms-album-delay/
  40. ^ http://inagist.com/all/224827394584870912/
  41. ^ http://www.theboombox.com/2012/05/15/rick-ross-touchn-you-usher/
  42. ^ http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/touchn-you-feat.-usher/id528343784?i=528343786
  43. ^ http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2012/05/rico-love-talks-rick-ross-usher-collaboration-touch-n-you/
  44. ^ http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1690151/rick-ross-god-forgives-i-dont-hip-hop-preview.jhtml?xrs=share_twitter
  45. ^ http://www.djsemtex.com/blog/2012/07/21/rick-ross-interview-3/
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