Maybach Music Group: Here to Stay
Earlier today, Rick Ross took to the podium to begin what was to be a string of exciting announcements for the bawse and his label. He started the event on more of a fashion tip, announcing his partnership with Swizz Beatz on a big and tall clothing line for Reebok. Ross has recently aligned himself with the British athletic company, a move that has taken his image from that of a successful rapper to a full blown mogul. But it was Ross’s label announcements, not his clothing deals that really made this “iconic” image more real.
The first announcements on the musical agenda were the release dates of Self Made 2(the labels follow up compilation album, coming out ), Rick Ross’s next solo album, and Meek Mill’s debut album. These dates are all important because, for Ross, the success of these albums might mean the success or failure of his label. But even with that notion looming in people’s minds, Ross will show now signs of stopping. Especially with the announcement he made right after, officially revealing he had signed Omarion to his label.
Now this scenario may sound somewhat familiar: Omarion signs to a much-hyped, up and coming label (Omarion signed to Young Money in 2008) only to later fizzle out and leave. But what makes this time around different is Rick Ross himself. The biggest difference between Young Money and MMG is that MMG actually releases material from just about all of its artists; Young Money can’t really say the same. For every artist that Ross has signed (with maybe the exception of Pill, but that’s another story), we have seen some sort of material released. Whether it was a mixtape, compilation album, or a studio album, each one of Ross’s artists has had an opportunity to release music.
Even if you’re not personally a fan of Rick Ross’s music, you’ve got to admire the guy’s drive. Back when Ross started MMG, most people in the game didn’t think he’d stand a chance. But, after just a few short years later, Ross has been able to align himself with some of the most influential people in music and hip-hop, taking his label from a laughable side project to one of the most sought after crews in the game. It is his drive and energy that will make the summer a tough time for anyone but MMG to be successful. And if all goes well, MMG has the potential to establish itself as the next big thing.
