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Rick Ross Celebrates 20 Years of 'Port of Miami' With Grand Orchestral Show — Melanin News | Melanin
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Rick Ross Celebrates 20 Years of 'Port of Miami' With Grand Orchestral ShowHip-Hop

Rick Ross Celebrates 20 Years of 'Port of Miami' With Grand Orchestral Show

2d ago

Rick Ross, the self-proclaimed "Boss," recently celebrated a major career milestone, commemorating two decades since the release of his seminal debut album, "Port of Miami." The grand black-tie event, held at the James L. Knight Center in Miami, Florida, on Friday, May 29, 2026, launched his ambitious 17-city tour, serving as a full-circle moment for the artist who recently turned 50.

The lavish concert transformed the nearly 4,500-seat theater into an elegant homage to Miami's rich hip-hop history. Attendees were greeted with a playbill that included a personal message from Ricky Rozay himself, emphasizing the enduring impact of his breakout single "Hustlin'" and the "Port of Miami" album as the bedrock of his empire. "Tonight, we elevate the hustle to the highest level of luxury," the message declared, setting the tone for an evening of sophisticated celebration.

Port of Miami (album)
Port of Miami (album) Source

The two-hour spectacle was meticulously structured into three acts, showcasing a blend of Ross's most iconic tracks. Hits like "B.M.F." and "MC Hammer" reverberated through the venue, alongside remixes such as "Hard in the Paint" and memorable guest verses, including his acclaimed rendition of "Devil in a New Dress." Enhancing the sonic experience, Ross was accompanied by the Sainted Trap Choir and the Renaissance Orchestra, whose live sonics and movements brought a new layer of grandeur to his catalog.

The Sainted Trap Choir, founded in Charlotte, North Carolina, in 2020 by DJ Fannie Mae and Dennis Reed Jr., is recognized for its unique fusion of Southern gospel church culture with hip-hop and trap music. Their previous collaborations with Rick Ross and national recognition from appearances on "America's Got Talent," where they reached the semifinals in Season 18 and finished fourth in "America's Got Talent: Fantasy League," underscored the high caliber of the performance. Ross's signature "Huh" ad-lib and his more recent phrase, "it's too easy," punctuated his delivery throughout the night, as he visibly shared proud moments with members of the orchestra and band.

Before the show, Ross took to Instagram to share a personal anecdote, recalling passing the James L. Knight Center as a young boy, or "jit" in Miami slang. He reflected on the significance of the moment, remarking, "It was big boy shit," highlighting how much the performance meant to him personally, marking his journey from aspiring artist to an established mogul. The evening also featured local talent, with 99Jamz's DJ Nasty 305 serving as Rozay's DJ, and radio personality K. Foxx opening the show with a live introduction to the "Port of Miami" album. K. Foxx, a New York City native who studied at Shaw University, boasts a distinguished radio career, including co-hosting "The Takeover" with DJ Khaled on 99Jamz WEDR in Miami and being honored as "Best Female Air Personality" by the Miami New Times.

Knight Center Complex
Knight Center Complex Source

The concert was also a moment for gratitude and remembrance. Ross publicly thanked his mother, Ella, who was seated in the front row, for her wisdom regarding the importance of a tight-knit circle and prioritizing family in business. During his performance of "Tears of Joy," he honored those who have passed, paying tribute to his father William Leonard Roberts, his longtime manager Black Bo, Fat Wayne, DJ Uncle Al, Young Dolph, and Nipsey Hussle. DJ Uncle Al, born Albert Leroy Moss in Miami, was a foundational DJ and influential figure in Miami's hip-hop scene, known for his "peace in the hood" philosophy and non-violence advocacy before his tragic murder in 2001. Rick Ross and DJ Khaled have previously honored his legacy at the "Peace in the Hood" festival.

A deep roster of friends and collaborators joined Ross on stage, representing the past, present, and future of Miami rap. The lineup included luminaries such as Trina, Uncle Luke, Nino Breeze, and Ball Greezy. Trina, known for her breakout appearance on Trick Daddy's "Nann Nigga" and her gold-certified debut "Da Baddest Bitch," is a prominent figure in Miami's hip-hop landscape. Nino Breeze, a St. Petersburg native, signed with Maybach Music Group (MMG) in 2024, building on a career that began in 2013 with collaborations with artists like Kodak Black. Ball Greezy, a Miami native, has carved out a niche with a balance of party anthems and introspective tracks, collaborating with artists such as Trina, Flo Rida, and DJ Khaled.

Ross's performance also included surprises, notably the debut of his new single "Minks in Miami," featuring French Montana and Max B, which was released on March 20, 2026, but not listed on the official setlist. This unexpected addition hinted at more potential surprises for upcoming stops on the 17-city tour, fueling speculation about appearances from artists like Jeezy for a "Hustlin'" remix in Atlanta or French Montana and Max B in New York. The timing of this anniversary tour also strategically aligns with the release of Ross's third book, "Renaissance of a Boss: Notes From a Creative Reawakening," which dropped on May 12, 2026, and his upcoming album, "Set in Stone," due out on June 12, 2026.

These concurrent projects underscore Ross's reputation as a master of brand marketing and promotion. He consistently generates buzz around his ventures, from his extensive tour to new literary and musical releases. His ability to seamlessly transition between celebrating his legacy and actively releasing new material positions him as both a revered figure and a continuously evolving artist, proving his unwavering commitment to investing in himself and his brand. The "Port of Miami" 20th Anniversary Show was not just a look back, but a powerful statement on the enduring power of ambition and the relentless spirit of the hustle that continues to define Rick Ross's illustrious career.