God Forgives, I Don't
Encyclopedia
God Forgives, I Don't is the upcoming fifth studio album
by American rapper Rick Ross
, scheduled for release in early 2012. The album is preceded by two singles released simultaneously, "You the Boss
" and "I Love My Bitches
," which had obtained moderate success on the charts.
produced by 2 Tall Beats. A music video for the song was later released on April 11, 2011. 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." 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." Rick Ross revealed that he would like to collaborate with Lionel Richie
on the album. Bun B
confirmed his appearance on the album.
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." 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." 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, and is a confirmed producer on the album.
On October 4th, Ross appeared on Hot 97 with Funkmaster Flex
, as he premiered his two new singles, "You The Boss" and "I Love My Bitches". Funk 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. Two days later on October 6th, 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. Later on October 6th, 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.
and produced by Lex Luger
. 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. "9 Piece" was released to iTunes
on May 10, and debuted at number sixty-one on the Billboard
Hot 100. Exactly six months later, on October 4, 2011, Rick Ross released the albums 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 7th, both tracks were released on iTunes for purchase. 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 14th. 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". 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 best possible body of work.
Studio album
A studio album is an album made up of tracks recorded in the controlled environment of a recording studio. A studio album contains newly written and recorded or previously unreleased or remixed material, distinguishing itself from a compilation or reissue album of previously recorded material, or...
by American rapper Rick Ross
Rick Ross
Rick, Ricky or Richard Ross may also refer to:* Rick Ross , American rapper* Richard J. Ross, a Massachusetts State Senator* Richard Ross , an American photographer...
, scheduled for release in early 2012. The album is preceded by two singles released simultaneously, "You the Boss
You the Boss
"You the Boss" is a song by American rapper Rick Ross. It was released as the first single from his upcoming fifth studio album, God Forgives, I Don't on October 7, 2011, along with "I Love My Bitches". It was released to U.S. Rhythmic Top 40 radio on October 18. and Urban radio on November 1,...
" and "I Love My Bitches
I Love My Bitches
"I Love My Bitches" is a song by American rapper Rick Ross. It was released as the second single from his upcoming fifth studio album, God Forgives, I Don't on October 7, 2011, simultaneously with the first single "You the Boss"....
," which had obtained moderate success on the charts.
Background
Rick 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 DrakeDrake (entertainer)
Aubrey Drake Graham , who records under the mononym Drake, is a Canadian recording artist and actor. He originally became known for playing Jimmy Brooks on the television series Degrassi: The Next Generation....
produced by 2 Tall Beats. A music video for the song was later released on April 11, 2011. The album was highly promoted by the official twitter account of Maybach Music Group, along with DJ Khaled
DJ Khaled
Khaled bin Abdul Khaled , better known by his stage name DJ Khaled, is an American record producer, radio personality, DJ, and record label executive. He is a radio host for the Miami-based urban music radio station WEDR and the DJ for the hip hop group Terror Squad. In 2006, Khaled released his...
. Drake spoke on the album during an interview with MTV
MTV
MTV, formerly an initialism of Music Television, is an American network based in New York City that launched on August 1, 1981. The original purpose of the channel was to play music videos guided by on-air hosts known as VJs....
saying "That God Forgives I Don't; the only way I can describe it, it's like Snoop Dogg
Snoop Dogg
Calvin Cordozar Broadus, Jr. , better known by his stage name Snoop Dogg, is an American rapper, record producer, and actor. Snoop is best known as a rapper in the West Coast hip hop scene, and for being one of Dr. Dre's most notable protégés. Snoop Dogg was a Crip gang member while in high school...
's Doggystyle
Doggystyle
Doggystyle is the debut album from American rapper Snoop Dogg; released by Death Row Records on November 23, 1993. The album was recorded soon following the release of Dr. Dre's landmark debut album The Chronic , to which Snoop Dogg contributed significantly. His musical stylizations for the album...
, The Notorious B.I.G.
The Notorious B.I.G.
Christopher George Latore Wallace , best known as The Notorious B.I.G., was an American rapper. He was also known as Biggie Smalls , Big Poppa, and The Black Frank White .Wallace was raised in the Brooklyn borough...
's Ready to Die
Ready to Die
Ready to Die is the debut album of American rapper The Notorious B.I.G., released September 13, 1994 on Bad Boy Records. The first release on the label, it features production by record producer and Bad Boy founder Sean "Puffy" Combs, Easy Mo Bee, Chucky Thompson, DJ Premier, and Lord Finesse,...
, or Clipse
Clipse
Clipse is a Virginia Beach, Virginia-based hip hop duo. Formed in 1992 by brothers Malice and Pusha T , the group is heavily affiliated with production team The Neptunes and signed to Star Trak Entertainment.- Exclusive Audio Footage :The Thornton brothers were born in The Bronx, New...
's Lord Willin'
Lord Willin'
Lord Willin' is the debut album from Virginia hip-hop duo Clipse. Released in late 2002, the album was certified gold by the RIAA on October 1, 2002...
or any of the albums that I collected and held on to as a kid — whether it was cassette or CD." DJ Khaled
DJ Khaled
Khaled bin Abdul Khaled , better known by his stage name DJ Khaled, is an American record producer, radio personality, DJ, and record label executive. He is a radio host for the Miami-based urban music radio station WEDR and the DJ for the hip hop group Terror Squad. In 2006, Khaled released his...
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." Rick Ross revealed that he would like to collaborate with Lionel Richie
Lionel Richie
Lionel Brockman Richie, Jr. , is an American singer-songwriter, musician and record producer. Since 1968, he has been a member of the musical group Commodores signed to Motown Records...
on the album. Bun B
Bun B
Bernard Freeman better known by his stage name Bun B, is an American rapper and was one half of the southern hip hop duo UGK . He is also a guest lecturer at Rice University located in Houston, Texas...
confirmed his appearance on the album.
Rick Ross spoke about the album during an interview with MTV at the October 11th BET Hip Hop Awards
BET Hip Hop Awards
The BET Hip Hop Awards are an annual awards show, airing on BET, showcasing hip hop performers, producers and music video directors. The awards ceremony began in 2006, was held on November 12, 2006 at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta, Georgia, was first aired November 15 and was hosted by comedian Katt...
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
Mary J. Blige
Mary Jane Blige is an American singer-songwriter, record producer and occasional actress. She is a recipient of nine Grammy Awards and four American Music Awards, and has recorded eight multi-platinum albums. She is the only artist with Grammy Award wins in Pop, Rap, Gospel, and R&B. Blige has...
. "That's the Queen. I can just tell you about the experience," he said. "We actually worked in Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson
Michael Joseph Jackson was an American recording artist, entertainer, and businessman. Referred to as the King of Pop, or by his initials MJ, Jackson is recognized as the most successful entertainer of all time by Guinness World Records...
's L.A. studio and we made some magic." Mary J. Blige also spoke of the experience with XXL
XXL
XXL may refer to:* XXL , in London, UK* XXL , an American hip-hop magazine* Penny Market XXL, a Romanian hypermarket chain-Film and television:* XXL , a French comedy* XXL , an adult TV station-Music:...
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
Marvin Gaye
Marvin Pentz Gay, Jr. , better known by his stage name Marvin Gaye, was an American singer-songwriter and musician with a three-octave vocal range....
'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." The first video log of the making of God Forgives, I Don't was released, and featured The Alchemist
The Alchemist (producer)
Alan Daniel Maman , better known as The Alchemist, is an American hip hop producer, DJ and rapper. He hails from Beverly Hills, California...
, in a studio session released by Rick Ross, and is a confirmed producer on the album.
On October 4th, Ross appeared on Hot 97 with Funkmaster Flex
Funkmaster Flex
Aston George Taylor, Jr. better known as Funkmaster Flex is an American hip hop DJ, rapper, musician and producer on New York City's Hot 97 radio station and host of the hit MTV show Funk Flex Full Throttle....
, as he premiered his two new singles, "You The Boss" and "I Love My Bitches". Funk Flex interviewed Ross on topics such as his beef with Kreayshawn
Kreayshawn
Natassia Gail Zolot, known by her stage name Kreayshawn, is an American rapper and music video director.-Early life:...
and Young Jeezy
Young Jeezy
Jay Wayne Jenkins , better known by his stage name Young Jeezy, is an American rapper. He is the member of the hip hop group United Streets Dopeboyz of America and a former member of BMF...
, 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. Two days later on October 6th, 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. Later on October 6th, 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.
Release and promotion
On December 24, 2010, Ross released the Ashes to Ashes mixtape, which included the song "9 Piece" featuring T.I.T.I.
Clifford Joseph Harris, Jr. , better known by his stage name T.I., is an American rap artist, film and music producer, actor and author. He is also the founder and co-chief executive officer of Grand Hustle Records....
and produced by Lex Luger
Lex Luger
Lawrence Wendell "Larry" Pfohl , better known by his ring name Lex Luger, is an American former professional wrestler and football player currently working with WWE on their wellness policy...
. Following T.I.'s legal trouble, Ross scrapped T.I. from the song and instead released the official remix, featuring Lil Wayne
Lil Wayne
Dwayne Michael Carter, Jr. , better known by his stage name Lil Wayne, is an American rapper. At the age of nine, Lil Wayne joined Cash Money Records as the youngest member of the label, and half of the duo, The B.G.'z, with B.G.. In 1997, Lil Wayne joined the group Hot Boys, which also included...
was released on April 4, 2011, which was used as the first street single for the album. "9 Piece" was released to iTunes
ITunes
iTunes is a media player computer program, used for playing, downloading, and organizing digital music and video files on desktop computers. It can also manage contents on iPod, iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad....
on May 10, and debuted at number sixty-one on the Billboard
Billboard (magazine)
Billboard is a weekly American magazine devoted to the music industry, and is one of the oldest trade magazines in the world. It maintains several internationally recognized music charts that track the most popular songs and albums in various categories on a weekly basis...
Hot 100. Exactly six months later, on October 4, 2011, Rick Ross released the albums first two singles. The lead single was "You the Boss
You the Boss
"You the Boss" is a song by American rapper Rick Ross. It was released as the first single from his upcoming fifth studio album, God Forgives, I Don't on October 7, 2011, along with "I Love My Bitches". It was released to U.S. Rhythmic Top 40 radio on October 18. and Urban radio on November 1,...
" featuring Nicki Minaj
Nicki Minaj
Onika Tanya Maraj , better known by her stage name Nicki Minaj; ), is a Trinidadian-born American recording artist...
, and the second was titled "I Love My Bitches
I Love My Bitches
"I Love My Bitches" is a song by American rapper Rick Ross. It was released as the second single from his upcoming fifth studio album, God Forgives, I Don't on October 7, 2011, simultaneously with the first single "You the Boss"....
", which was produced by Just Blaze
Just Blaze
Justin Smith, better known as Just Blaze, is an American hip hop music producer from Paterson, New Jersey. Blaze is also the CEO of Fort Knocks Entertainment. He is most well known for producing Jay-Z songs on the albums The Blueprint, The Blueprint 2, and The Black Album. He is also known for...
. Three days later on October 7th, both tracks were released on iTunes for purchase. On November 1, 2011, Rick Ross and Wale
Wale (rapper)
Wale Victor Folarin , better known by his stage name Wale , is an American rapper from Washington, D.C. Wale was born to Nigerian parents. He rose to prominence in 2006, when his song "Dig Dug " became popular in his hometown. Wale became locally recognized and continued recording music for the...
appeared on BET's 106 & Park
106 & Park
106 & Park is a Top Ten Hip-Hop and R&B music video show, set up in a countdown format, that airs weekdays at 6:00 PM on BET . Since its inception, it was the network's #1 rated show...
to help promote Wale' new album, Ambition
Ambition (Wale album)
Ambition is the second studio album by hip hop recording artist Wale, released November 1, 2011 via Maybach Music Group and Warner Bros. Records.- Background :...
, 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 14th. Ross announced that he, and Jay-Z
Jay-Z
Shawn Corey Carter , better known by his stage name Jay-Z, is an American rapper, record producer, entrepreneur, and occasional actor. He is one of the most financially successful hip hop artists and entrepreneurs in America, having a net worth of over $450 million as of 2010...
had completed a collaboration track for the album, which Rick called "the biggest record we've ever done together". On November 16, 2011, Ross appeared on MTV
MTV
MTV, formerly an initialism of Music Television, is an American network based in New York City that launched on August 1, 1981. The original purpose of the channel was to play music videos guided by on-air hosts known as VJs....
'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
Maybach Music Group
Maybach Music Group is a record label founded by Rick Ross, currently distributed by Warner Bros. Records, which took over distribution following the expiration of a deal with Def Jam Recordings....
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 best possible body of work.
Confirmed tracks
- "9 Piece (Remix)" (featuring Lil WayneLil WayneDwayne Michael Carter, Jr. , better known by his stage name Lil Wayne, is an American rapper. At the age of nine, Lil Wayne joined Cash Money Records as the youngest member of the label, and half of the duo, The B.G.'z, with B.G.. In 1997, Lil Wayne joined the group Hot Boys, which also included...
; produced by Lex LugerLex Luger (producer)Lexus Arnel Lewis better known by his stage name Lex Luger, is an American record producer from Suffolk, Virginia who is signed to 1017 Brick Squad.-Career:...
) - "You the BossYou the Boss"You the Boss" is a song by American rapper Rick Ross. It was released as the first single from his upcoming fifth studio album, God Forgives, I Don't on October 7, 2011, along with "I Love My Bitches". It was released to U.S. Rhythmic Top 40 radio on October 18. and Urban radio on November 1,...
" (featuring Nicki MinajNicki MinajOnika Tanya Maraj , better known by her stage name Nicki Minaj; ), is a Trinidadian-born American recording artist...
; produced by K.E. On The Track) - "I Love My BitchesI Love My Bitches"I Love My Bitches" is a song by American rapper Rick Ross. It was released as the second single from his upcoming fifth studio album, God Forgives, I Don't on October 7, 2011, simultaneously with the first single "You the Boss"....
" (produced by Just BlazeJust BlazeJustin Smith, better known as Just Blaze, is an American hip hop music producer from Paterson, New Jersey. Blaze is also the CEO of Fort Knocks Entertainment. He is most well known for producing Jay-Z songs on the albums The Blueprint, The Blueprint 2, and The Black Album. He is also known for...
)