One of the more interesting, unique album listening sessions of recent memory, Rick Ross and Def Jam packed the New York City club “Blvd.” for an exclusive listen of his upcoming album Trilla. The high-profile event, which welcomed the likes of Def Jam labelmate Freeway as well as Hot97 radio personality and Hip Hop goddess Angie Martinez, was at a fever pitch before Rick Ross even arrived. The anticipation around Ross’ sophomore effort was quite tangible.

Rick Ross rose to commercial fame in the summer of 2006 when his timeless anthem “Hustlin’” became the first ever ringtone to sell 1 Million copies before the single’s album (Port of Miami) hit stores. Even though true Hip Hop fans have followed Ross for some time, the RIAA ceremony put Ross on the map as a force in the music industry.

After about an hour of bumping some of Island Def Jam’s hits, the DJ quieted the music and the lights rose – The Boss had arrived. In a move that fans rarely see anymore, Ross kept it street, grabbed the mic and introduced himself, “We The Best!” he exclaimed from the booth. After some “Thank Yous” and shout-outs, “Blvd.” was ready to bump Trilla.

During album listenings, its not uncommon for the artist to introduce each track – when and how the idea for the track came about, who produced it and what other artists are featured on alongside him or her. The Boss put a new twist on introductions. Between each cut off the album, Ross simply said “Triiillllllaaaaa” and was quickly and consistently echoed by the crowd. Ross walked through the venue, mic in hand, digital cameras and cell phones in his face, performing each track for his fans. Not only did The Boss introduce each track in a non-traditional sense, he made sure that the energy didn’t stop in the booth or at the speakers – the crowd felt each track because it was clear that Ross did as well.

With unadulterated energy exuding from Ross, the crowd couldn’t help but feel the music. From the lead single “Speedin’” to “The Boss”, which features fellow Florida native T-Pain, Trilla, like Port of Miami, is an album filled with anthems and classics. Ross' ability to grab the ears of every listener is undeniable – for those of you who have been “Hustlin’” everyday for the last 2 years, get ready to speed to your local retailer for The Boss’ next installment.

Listen To "The Boss"
Watch "Speedin'"

Of his work, Ross declared, “This album is better, bigger… When ‘Hustlin’ took off I finished Port of Miami in the back of the van on promo tour, this one I really sat down with producers and everybody. I really wanted to work with and put together something that’s really timeless.” DJ Toomp, Cool N Dre, and The Runners are among the track masters lending their talent to Trilla and the results are nothing short of phenomenal. “Street Money” featuring fellow Floridian and Poe Boy brethren Flo Rida is banger, and is already heating up the streets. The monumental “Maybach Music” features Jay-Z and takes the chill factor of the “Hustlin’” remix to unfathomable levels. That song will be battling head-to-head with “Luxury Tax” (featuring Lil Wayne, Young Jeezy and Trick Daddy) for record of the year.

Rick Ross’ sophomore album, Trilla, is scheduled to hit stores on March 11th. The lead single, “Speedin”, is one of the hottest records out at the moment, bumping in clubs from South Beach to Malibu. The 2nd single, “The Boss”, which features T-Pain, has been quick on the heels of “Speedin’” and is sure to keep interest on Ross at an all-time high. Be ready for Ross and Def Jam to bump cars, clubs and cell phones all through the summer.

“Triiillllllaaaaa!!!!!!”

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Watch: "Speedin'"