What makes Ruthless by Ace Hood notable?

Ruthless debuted at number 23 on the US Billboard 200 and made a significant impact on the hip-hop charts. It features standout tracks like 'Champion,' which became an anthem for perseverance and was widely embraced in sports contexts. The album helped further cement Ace Hood's reputation as a prominent figure in the Southern rap movement. Released as Ace Hood's second studio album, Ruthless followed his breakthrough debut, Gutta, in 2008. By this point, he was establishing himself in the Southern hip-hop scene, building on his growing popularity with hits like 'Cash Flow.' The album showcases his development as an artist, tapping into themes of determination and success while solidifying his partnership with DJ Khaled's We the Best Music Group.

Ruthless works well if you're into steady, consistent energy levels, motivational and empowering themes and short, punchy tracks.

How many songs are on Ruthless?

Ruthless has 13 tracks, running approximately 51 minutes.

Ruthless

Ace Hood · 2009

51 min · 13 tracks · hip-hop

A relentless barrage of hard-hitting beats, aggressive flows, and braggadocious lyrics that define Southern hip-hop's gritty landscape.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Champion — This track embodies the album's central theme of resilience and determination, with motivational lyrics that resonate with listeners striving for success.
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Get Money — A defining anthem of ambition and hustle, this track showcases Ace Hood's confident delivery and captures the essence of his rise within the rap game.
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Born an O.G. — Here, Ace Hood reflects on his upbringing and authenticity in the rap scene, offering insight into his character and values as an artist.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

48 /100

Foothills

Higher than 19% of albums we've rated

The album showcases solid production and energetic performances but lacks depth for long-term engagement.

What we noticed

The album opens with a high-energy track and maintains a consistent tempo across the first half, before introducing slower tracks in the latter part.
Aggressive flows dominate the verses, with frequent use of call-and-response techniques that engage the listener.
Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies and ad-libs that enhance the intensity of the delivery.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

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

steady, consistent energy levels
motivational and empowering themes
short, punchy tracks
focused listening sessions
confident, assertive vibes

Where this album fits

Career context: Released as Ace Hood's second studio album, Ruthless followed his breakthrough debut, Gutta, in 2008. By this point, he was establishing himself in the Southern hip-hop scene, building on his growing popularity with hits like 'Cash Flow.' The album showcases his development as an artist, tapping into themes of determination and success while solidifying his partnership with DJ Khaled's We the Best Music Group.
Stylistic neighbors: Rick Ross· Meek Mill· Plies