S. Samuel
Former Bad Boy Records' artist Styles P has stated his opinion on past comparisons of Rick Ross to his late friend and labelmate The Notorious B.I.G.
While Styles noted the two rappers’ image similarities, the “Ghost” was quick to point out their distinct differences.
“Nah, I just think it’s because they’re big, they’re both dark skinned,” Styles P said of the Ross and Biggie comparisons. “But to me, no disrespect to Ross, but Big’s a one of a kind in the whole music industry. I don’t think no one is ever to be compared to B.I.G. Ross is definitely a spitter, definitely ill. I think it comes from that, he’s got lyrics and he’s big and it’s been a long time since they had a big black dude that was lyrical so probably kinda automatic. Ross is in a class by himself and B.I.G.’s in a class by himself. I don’t see the comparisons besides just being big and lyrical.” (Next 48 Hours)
Last January, B.I.G.’s friend/boss Diddy described how Ross resembled his late Bad Boy artist.
“Oh y’all ain’t hear the second verse,” Diddy said about Ross’ ‘Angels’ collaboration. “Yo, y’all gonna peep that when we world premiere that. I don’t know, I guess him and Biggie locked up in the room, even my man D Roc even said that. For my man D Roc to say that and co-sign it like ‘Yo, my man right there sounding like our homie.’ That right there is something special. That’s a mean co-sign, that’s a mean co-sign. I don’t know what was going on in the studio, the spirits were connecting but it’s official. It ain’t bootleg, it ain’t got no preservatives in it.” (Spliff TV)
Unaware of Diddy’s Ross comparison earlier this year, Fat Joe previously shared his thoughts on the Southern rapper.
“He said that? I don’t know man. Diddy’s a smart guy and Rick Ross is smart guy, but I don’t think Ross wants to be Biggie. He can’t be Biggie. There’s no replacing Notorious. No disrespect to Ross’s talent though, because I think he’s one of the nicest rappers in the game. But they always compare new artists to the greats. I understand Diddy though, because I knew Biggie very well and I know Ross. They both are kind hearts and they have a similar aura and demeanor about them. They’re similar in that way.” (VIBE)
Speaking to fans at an Atlantic City summer concert alongside Ross, Diddy defended co-signing Ross for his own unique talent.
“Check this out, there can only be one motherf*cking B.I.G.,” Diddy told a crowd of fans. “Nobody can ever be compared to B.I.G. He’s a one of motherf*cking one. You think I’m f*cking crazy and gonna compare somebody to B.I.G. This is my motherf*cking n*gga Rozay. He’s a one of one. His name is Ricky Rozay. I’m from New York, he’s from Miami and we’re coming here to take over the motherf*cking game.” (Real Talk NY)
Check out Styles P speaking on the Rick Ross/Notorious B.I.G. comparisons below:
