Rich Is Gangsta

Album: Mastermind (2014)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • The song title is a quote that Ross used in his explanation of why he canceled the 2012 Maybach Music Group tour. He said:

    "And to me, Rich Is Gangsta. Loyal is gangsta. You understand?
    Family is gangsta. If that's not gangsta, I don't wanna be gangsta.
    I'm a BOSS."
  • The song was produced by Black Metaphor, who also made The Game's Jesus Piece cut "Ali Bombaye," a track Ross was featured on.
  • The song finds Ross rapping about his controversial stint as a prison guard and his motivation of becoming one.

    "Feds tore apart the squad, nigga
    That's why I had to play the part, nigga
    That wasn't me, it was a job, nigga
    It gets deeper, that was just a start, nigga."

    "That particular line most definitely referred to me being a C.O.," Ross explained to RapFix Live host Sway Calloway. "And that being a job and just understanding the grind and the hustle and anything else I may have done. It's just a job, it's a hustle."
  • Ross told us that his pal, Jabbar, got hit with a 25-year prison sentence on his God Forgives, I Don't track "Pirates." Two years later, Rozay is celebrating his friend's release on this song when he shouts out, "Fresh up out the Fed system, welcome home Jabbar."
  • Black Metaphor's beat utilizes a sample from Scottish R&B act Average White Band's 1976 tune, "Soul Searching."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Zakk Wylde

Zakk WyldeSongwriter Interviews

When he was playing Ozzfest with Black Label Society, a kid told Zakk he was the best Ozzy guitarist - Zakk had to correct him.

Greg Lake of Emerson, Lake & Palmer

Greg Lake of Emerson, Lake & PalmerSongwriter Interviews

Greg talks about writing songs of "universal truth" for King Crimson and ELP, and tells us about his most memorable stage moment (it involves fireworks).

Scott Gorham of Thin Lizzy and Black Star Riders

Scott Gorham of Thin Lizzy and Black Star RidersSongwriter Interviews

Writing with Phil Lynott, Scott saw their ill-fated frontman move to a darker place in his life and lyrics.

A Monster Ate My Red Two: Sesame Street's Greatest Song Spoofs

A Monster Ate My Red Two: Sesame Street's Greatest Song SpoofsSong Writing

When singers started spoofing their own songs on Sesame Street, the results were both educational and hilarious - here are the best of them.

Christmas Songs

Christmas SongsFact or Fiction

Rudolf, Bob Dylan and the Singing Dogs all show up in this Fact or Fiction for seasonal favorites.

Bill Medley of The Righteous Brothers

Bill Medley of The Righteous BrothersSongwriter Interviews

Medley looks back on "Unchained Melody" and "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'" - his huge hits from the '60s that were later revived in movies.