Hip Hop Artist, Rick Ross, may have just placed himself in a very comfortable position in the industry. Maybach Music Group is set to become one of the best labels out by Summer 2011.
Maybach Music Group (MMG) initially was Ross’ own personal label (at the time ventured with Def Jam) and seemingly a way for him to be able to pocket more money from his albums. The 1st album release from MMG was Ross’ 3rd LP “Deeper Than Rap" in 2009. With the commercial success of “Deeper Than Rap", Ross was able to expand and began focusing more on signing artists to his label. Ross formed the Miami based hip hop group Triple C's (Carol City Cartel) which includes the artists Gunplay, Torch and Young Breed.
Maybach Music Group then released it’s second studio album, Triple C's debut album “Custom Cars & Cycles” in 2009. The second studio album release from MMG didn’t receive as much recognition as Ross and the label hoped for, receiving bad reviews.
In 2010 Rick Ross attempted to make a deal with rapper Wiz Khalifa to sign to Maybach Music Group, but the rapper opted to sign with Atlantic Records instead. A failed studio LP and a missed opportunity with one of the most buzz worthy artist (at the time) might have slowed some down, but Ross appeared more determined than ever. In 2010, Ross’ 4th studio LP and Maybach Music’s 3rd released, “Teflon Don” was yet another success for him and the label, but MMG and Def Jam decided to go there separate ways.
The past two years, MMG was nothing more than a way for Rick Ross to get more profit off his albums and also promote some of his friends. Then in February it was announced that MMG had signed DC based rapper Wale, who although has a strong fan base had trouble getting his music the credit it deserved. Shortly after, MMG announced that it has also signed Philadelphia based underground rapper, Meek Millz.
The Internet was buzzing about the signing of these two artist. Both talented and young and both having issues pushing their music to a mainstream audience. All hip- hop fans, whether or not a Rick Ross fan, started speaking about the possibilities of MMG, even making it an official contender up against other labels such as Young Money and G.O.O.D Music.
Headlines about the moves MMG made the label relevant again and it started a bidding war between music labels. Warner Brothers quickly snatched up the opportunity to join with Maybach Music Group.
Atlanta based rapper, Pill and New Orleans based singer/ songwriter, Teedra Moses also signed on to MMG. Teedra Moses, the only female on the label thus far, was more of a shock than the previous artist signed because her core audience are used to a certain sound that does not resemble the type of music heard from the other artist on the label.
With released tracks such as “Tupac’s Back” and “600 Benz”,both singles on the anticipated label collaboration album “Self Made” (set for a May 24th release), a label that nobody really paid attention just few months back is looking at a possible bright future, but definitely a good summer.
-Ricki Ryan
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