Black Dollar cover

Black Dollar

Rick Ross · 2015

13 min · 17 tracks · trap music

A rich tapestry of trap beats and vivid storytelling that paints a portrait of wealth, ambition, and the struggles of street life.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Foreclosures Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
  • →
    Bill Gates — This track exemplifies Ross’s signature blend of bravado and introspection, articulating his aspirations while referencing iconic wealth and success.
  • →
    We Gon Make It — With its motivational lyrics and infectious beat, this track stands out as an anthem for perseverance amidst adversity, resonating deeply with fans.
  • →
    Beautiful Lie — This song delves into themes of deception and reality within the lavish lifestyle, showcasing Ross's ability to merge personal narrative with broader commentary.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

50 /100
Foothills
Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album showcases solid writing and production but lacks standout cohesion across its length.

What we noticed

  • The album features a consistent use of heavy bass and hi-hat patterns typical of trap music, creating an immersive soundscape.
  • Several tracks incorporate guest verses, adding variety to the vocal delivery while maintaining Ross's thematic focus on wealth and ambition.
  • The last three tracks slow down the tempo, providing a contrast to the more energetic earlier songs and allowing for a reflective conclusion.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • gritty explorations of ambition
  • fragmented pacing keeps attention
  • commanding flow for confidence
  • early morning motivation boost
  • atmospheric beats for reflection

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer straightforward song structures
  • avoid complex lyrical themes

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Deep Cut — 'Black Dollar' is a solid entry that showcases Ross's themes but isn't a standout in accessibility.
Career context
Released on January 1, 2015, 'Black Dollar' came after Rick Ross's commercial success with 'Mastermind' in 2014. This project showcases Ross’s lyrical prowess and thematic depth as he navigates his identity in hip-hop following a series of high-profile controversies, including health issues and the fallout from a controversial lyric that sparked public outcry.
Stylistic neighbors
Jeezy· Gucci Mane· T.I.

Tracklist

  • 1 Foreclosures Start here 4:17
  • 2 Money Dance
  • 3 We Gon Make It
  • 4 Bill Gates
  • 5 Money & Powder
  • 6 Geechi Liberace
  • 7 Icon
  • 8 World’s Finest
  • 9 Drive a Nigga Crazy
  • 10 Turn Ya Back 5:10
  • 11 Knights of the Templar
  • 12 Take Advantage 3:43
  • 13 Beautiful Lie
  • 14 She Wanna Fuck
  • 15 Bel Air
  • 16 2 Shots
  • 17 Dead Rappers

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata