Rick Ross, the American rapper, has been making waves with his interest in African music, particularly Nigerian Afrobeats. In a recent Instagram Live session with Nigerian rapper Blaqbonez, Rick Ross revealed that his favorite song by Blaqbonez is “Bling,” featuring Amaarae and BNXN. This acknowledgment came during a discussion where Blaqbonez shared the inspiration behind the song, which stemmed from his disappointment after losing the Best Rapper award at the Soundcity MVP Awards to Kenyan rapper Kaligraph Jones.
Rick Ross has been vocal about his admiration for Nigerian music and his intention to create an African-themed album. Recently, he previewed a song snippet featuring Blaqbonez’s verse, hinting at an upcoming collaboration between the two artists. This collaboration was confirmed during their Instagram Live interaction, further cementing Rick Ross’s journey into incorporating African influences into his music.
Earlier this year, Rick Ross expressed interest in working with various African artists, including Nigerian Grammy-nominated star Ayra Starr, Ghanaian dancehall artist Stonebwoy, and Tanzanian superstar Diamond Platnumz. His upcoming album is expected to feature these artists and more, showcasing a fusion of American rap with African sounds.
Rick Ross’s venture into African music marks a significant moment, especially considering his previous collaboration with Nigerian artists like P-Square on the remix of “Beautiful Oyinye” in 2011. His ongoing interactions and collaborations with African artists highlight the growing global appeal and influence of Afrobeats and African music on the international stage.