Rick Ross - | Hustlin

Unlike many underground videos of the time, the "Hustlin’" shoot was a massive "movie-style" production with trailers, craft services, and high-end equipment, signaling Ross's arrival as a major star.

The phrase "Every day I'm hustlin'" became so iconic that Ross eventually sued the group LMFAO for using the derivative line "Every day I'm shufflin'" in their hit "Party Rock Anthem," though he eventually lost the copyright battle as the phrase was deemed too common to own. Rick Ross - Hustlin

The track was produced by (specifically Mayne). The creative process was fueled by intense personal stakes: Unlike many underground videos of the time, the

Mayne created the beat during a period of deep personal loss and isolation following his father's death, using music as his primary way to "hustle" and provide. The creative process was fueled by intense personal

The track was so "explosive" that it led to a battle between Diddy (Bad Boy), Irv Gotti (Murder Inc.), and Jay-Z (Def Jam) for Ross's signature. He eventually signed a multi-million dollar deal with Def Jam Recordings .

See the creators and Rick Ross himself discuss the making and impact of this hip-hop anthem:

Once the song hit the airwaves, it became a cultural phenomenon: