Trials & Tribulations

Since arriving on the scene in 2007, Ace Hood has shown a tireless work ethic, delivering a string of cameo-filled mixtapes, rumbling street bangers, and forceful singles. *Trials & Tribulations*—the Miami rapper’s debut studio effort for Cash Money—flaunts his versatility through a set of cunning hood tales, downtempo confessions, and motivational anthems. (Anthony Hamilton’s piano-accompanied hook on “The Come Up” is *huge*.) While this proves that Ace Hood has developed into a well-connected rapper at the top of his game (the guest list includes Meek Mill, Lil Wayne, Chris Brown, Future, T.I., Rick Ross, Wiz Khalifa, and 2 Chainz), the power of singles like “We Outchea” and \"Bugatti” comes from the fiery urgency he injects into every syllable.

Check out our album review of Artist's Trials & Tribulations on Rolling Stone.com.