Rick Ross Inspired By Tupac, Biggie On “Jay Leno’s Garage”
Rick Ross appeared on ‘Jay Leno’s Garage‘, where the rapper named Tupac and Biggie Smalls as inspiration.
The new series on NBC (Wednesdays 10/9c) hosted by legendary comedian Jay Leno, explores our obsession with all things automotive. From classic cars to supercars and everything in-between, Jay is hitting the road to discover the most exciting, weird and wonderful vehicles ever made and meet the passionate people behind their wheels.
When asked who were Ross’ musical heroes, “I love what Big was doing, Tupac was doing. Really, all the artists that came before me. I love what they was doing.”
Ross has always shown his love for Tupac Shakur in his career. Back in August of 2020, days removed from his Verzuz battle with 2 Chainz, Rick Ross appeared on the Fat Joe Show via IG Live. Ricky Rozay explained why he feels people said Tupac is alive and gave his top 5 Hip Hop artists of all time.
Closing out the hour long interview on IG live, host Fat Joe asked Rick Ross to drop his top 5 list. In no particular order Rick Ross named Biggie Smalls followed by Tupac Shakur. “I’ma say Tupac. That Makaveli project touched me different,” Ross said. “I’ve always been one of them people that believes anybody could make one dope ass album. But you ain’t gon roll the dice and make two dope albums if you wasn’t a dope motherf–ker.”
After his release from prison in late 1995, Tupac signed to Death Row records would release his double album with All Eyez On Me. An instant classic which quickly sold 5x platinum and currently over 10x platinum. After his passing, Shakur’s first posthumously album under his new alias Makaveli, was the ‘The Don Killumanti: 7 Day Theory.’ The album was recorded in only 3 days, months after dropping ‘All Eyez On Me.’ Again Tupac had another instant classic.
Also watch: Tupac Approved Makaveli Artwork The Day Before He Was Shot
Back in 2011 Ross along with Meek Mill dropped the hit single Tupac Back. The tribute landed on the 22 spot of Billboard Rap Songs chart. “2Pac back, 2Pac back / That’s all these b—hes screaming that 2Pac back / All eyes on me, better picture me rollin’ / Buying brand new rims, but them bitches is stolen / Stranded on Death Row, Brenda having my baby,” Ross rapped on the hook.
Completing his list, Rick Ross has Biggie Smalls, Tupac Shakur, Big Pun, and Nipsey Hussle. “Dear friend of mine Nipsey Hussle. You gotta understand when I put my list together, I always understand when brothers wasn’t here. We didn’t get to see them live it to their full potential.”