New Video of the Day: Rick Ross ft. Chrisette Michele and Drake – “Aston Martin Music”
Rick Ross Cruises to Victory With “Aston Martin Music” Video
Two days after its premiere on BET’s 106 & Park, the music video for Rick Ross’s “Aston Martin Music” is already generating heavy buzz across hip-hop blogs and social media. The Gil Green-directed visual, which features Drake and Chrisette Michele, arrived on October 13 and immediately drew attention for its cinematic scope, Miami backdrop, and prominent display of luxury automobiles. The single itself dropped digitally on October 5 as the fourth release from Ross’s critically acclaimed album Teflon Don, which arrived on July 20 via Maybach Music Group and Def Jam Recordings.
The video intercuts between performance sequences on a Miami beach and a narrative storyline centered on ambition, loyalty, and sacrifice. Model Tracey Thomas plays Ross’s romantic partner, who takes the fall during a DEA raid and later reunites with Ross upon her release. With multiple Aston Martin models on display and a rare cameo from Birdman, the visual reinforces Ross’s signature blend of street credibility and opulent escapism. As of this morning, the official version is circulating on YouTube and other platforms, extending the album’s promotional run into the fall.
A Cinematic Shoot in Miami
Gil Green, who has directed videos for artists including Rick Ross, Nicki Minaj, and Sean Kingston, helmed the “Aston Martin Music” shoot in Miami during the latter part of September 2010. Production utilized RED cameras, with cinematography handled by Daniel Pearl and additional contributions from Christoph Vitt. The result is a polished, cinematic aesthetic characterized by vibrant color grading and sharp exterior shots that capture the Florida coastline.
Behind-the-scenes coverage from the shoot period, including photographs and short video clips released via several outlets documented the presence of Rick Ross, Drake, Chrisette Michele, DJ Khaled, and Birdman on set. These previews helped build anticipation for the video’s official premiere, giving fans a glimpse of the luxury cars and beachside staging before the final cut aired.
The editorial work was completed by D.J. Sing, and the final runtime clocks in at approximately 6 minutes and 19 seconds. That length allows the video to function as both a standard music visual and a short narrative film, with enough space to develop the storyline alongside the performance segments. The extra runtime also gives each artist room to shine, from Ross’s commanding presence to Drake’s verse and Chrisette Michele’s atmospheric hook.
Performance Sequences on a Miami Beach
The primary performance segments take place on a Miami beach, with the three artists positioned in front of an array of Aston Martin vehicles. Rick Ross rarely appears without sunglasses in videos. However, he makes a notable exception here. Here, he is delivering his verses with direct eye contact that adds intimacy to the otherwise lavish setting. Drake, who just released his debut album Thank Me Later in June, performs his guest verse with a relaxed confidence, moving between cruising motions and preening gestures that match the song’s smooth production.
Chrisette Michele, the Grammy-winning singer known for her work with Jay-Z and Nas, appears on screen delivering the chorus vocals. Her segments feature softer, atmospheric lighting that contrasts with the bright daylight of the beach scenes. The combination of Ross’s baritone, Drake’s melodic rap, and Michele’s soulful singing creates a dynamic that the video captures through alternating close-ups and wide shots of the trio.
The beach setting also serves as a backdrop for the Aston Martin lineup. The V8 Vantage Volante, DBS V12 Volante, DB9 Volante, and Rapide models are parked in formation, their sleek lines and metallic finishes gleaming under the Miami sun. Ross is often shown in close proximity to the cars, reinforcing the song’s title and its celebration of automotive luxury as a symbol of success.
A Narrative of Ambition, Loyalty, and Sacrifice
The video opens with a flashback sequence depicting a young Rick Ross, establishing his early determination to own an Aston Martin and achieve the associated lifestyle. This origin moment frames the entire visual as a story of upward mobility through perseverance. From there, the narrative shifts to the present, where Ross’s romantic partner, played by model Tracey Thomas, becomes entangled in a high-stakes situation at a lavish mansion.
The storyline takes a dramatic turn when DEA agents raid the property. Thomas’s character chooses to take responsibility during the bust, leading to her arrest and incarceration. The sequence uses tense framing, confined spaces, and muted colors to convey the weight of her sacrifice. Ross is not present during the raid, suggesting that she is protecting him by accepting the charges alone.
Upon her release, the resolution shows Thomas reuniting with Ross, who waits with an Aston Martin ready for her to drive. The moment serves as a payoff for both the narrative and the song’s themes of loyalty and reward. By intercutting the arrest and imprisonment sequences with the beach performances, the video maintains a rhythmic flow that moves between aspiration, adversity, and triumph without losing momentum.
Drake’s Verse and the “Paris Morton Music” Connection
Drake’s contribution to “Aston Martin Music” carries additional weight for fans who follow his catalog closely. His verse in the video draws from material associated with his “Paris Morton Music” concept, which differs slightly in presentation from the album version of the track. The “Paris Morton Music” reference would later become more prominent on Drake’s own releases, but here it functions as a teaser of his evolving style.
The verse itself finds Drake reflecting on success, relationships, and the trappings of fame, delivered with the smooth cadence that characterized his Thank Me Later ethos. In the video, he performs while leaning against an Aston Martin, alternating between direct addresses to the camera and more relaxed poses. His chemistry with Ross on screen suggests a genuine rapport, and the decision to feature him prominently reinforces the label alliance between Young Money and Maybach Music.
Chrisette Michele’s chorus segments are woven between Drake’s verse and Ross’s bars, providing a melodic anchor that ties the visual together. Her presence adds a layer of sophistication that complements the luxury car motif. Together, the three artists cover different registers of R&B and hip-hop, creating a track that appeals to both street audiences and mainstream listeners. The video captures that range through alternating performance styles and visual treatments.
Cameos, Luxury Cars, and Early Reception
Birdman, the Cash Money Records co-founder and longtime Ross collaborator, makes a cameo appearance in the video. His presence reinforces the business ties between Maybach Music and Cash Money, and he appears in the beach performance segments alongside the Aston Martin lineup. DJ Khaled, another frequent Ross collaborator, was also present during the shoot, though his role in the final cut is less prominent.
The Aston Martin models themselves function as more than props. The V8 Vantage Volante, DBS V12 Volante, DB9 Volante, and Rapide are showcased from multiple angles, with daytime cruising shots emphasizing their convertible designs and sleek lines. The video’s color grading enhances the metallic finishes, making the cars pop against the beach backdrop. For a song titled “Aston Martin Music,” the visual delivers exactly what the title promises.
Early viewer reactions on Twitter and hip-hop forums have been positive. Fans have noted the video’s high production value, the chemistry between Ross and Drake, and the emotional weight of the narrative storyline. Behind-the-scenes materials released in advance helped build anticipation, and the BET premiere gave the video a high-profile launch.
Conclusion
48 hours after its 106 & Park premiere, the “Aston Martin Music” video is giving Rick Ross’s Teflon Don another boost of visibility. The Gil Green-directed visual combines beachside performance sequences with a narrative of ambition, loyalty, and sacrifice, all set against a backdrop of luxury cars and Miami scenery. Drake and Chrisette Michele deliver strong on-screen contributions, while model Tracey Thomas anchors the storyline as Ross’s partner who takes the fall for him.
With the single already on radio and digital retailers, the video serves as a promotional extension that reinforces the album’s themes of success and reward. As Ross continues to build on the momentum of Teflon Don, “Aston Martin Music” stands as one of the most polished visual offerings of his career. For fans who have followed him since Port of Miami, the video offers a reminder of how far he has come—and how fast he plans to keep moving.