After establishing his spot at the top of the rap game, Rick Ross started recruiting rappers to join his crew, Maybach Music Group. He made news earlier this year by signing Wale, followed it up with Meek Mill, and then closed things out with Pill (and by the looks of it, he’s still making moves). Rozay ended up with a diverse crew of rappers who must have been hungry to work because they put together the compilation, Self Made Vol. 1, in mere months and started releasing songs right away.
Their buzz is so strong that in the era of endless pushbacks, the album has actually been moved up a day to May 23. Although the streets are going to have to keep waiting a bit longer, Complex got a chance to hear MMG’s upcoming album. Click ahead to see what we had to say. [Sexy British lady voice], M-m-mmm-Maybach Music. RUH!
Written by Insanul Ahmed (@Incilin)
Wale, Meek Mill, Pill, Rick Ross, & Teedra Moses “Selfmade”
Meek Mill f/ Rick Ross “Tupac Back”
Produced by: Mike Will, Eardrummers
Complex says: Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery plagiarism. So there’s no denying it, when everyone is rapping over your beat and stealing your concept and flow, chances are you made a pretty good song. So we can't hate on Rozay for trying to recapture the magic. Our only qualm with this song is this is Meek’s big look, but his flows and delivery are more impressive on the rest of these songs.
Wale f/ Rick Ross & Jadakiss "600 Benz"
Produced by: Cardiak
Complex says: You already know we’re big fans of this record (we named it Song of The Week when it dropped), and not just because Rozay eats the hook and Jada tears through another one of his countless memorable guest appearances. It’s also because Wale proves he can run with Ross, but maintain his style.
Pill f/ Rick Ross "Pacman"
Produced by: Young Shun
Complex says: The third outing in a row where Ross does the hook and let’s one of the MMG guys handle the rest of the song. Except this time, he can’t help it but spit a verse. Besides the classic video game references, this song has added value since we can only assume that Ross will perform this as he walks Manny Pacquiao out this weekend.
Wale, Meek Mill, Pill, & Rick Ross “By Any Means”
Wale, Meek Mill, & Rick Ross f/ J. Cole “Fitted Cap”
Pill, Wale & Teedra Moses f/ CyHi Da Prynce & Curren$y “Rise”
Wale f/ Jeremih & Rick Ross "That Way"
Meek Mill f/ Rick Ross "I'ma Boss"
Produced by: Jahlil Beats
Complex says: Meek spits his heart out, but he just can’t keep up with Rozay who delivers a verse worthy of a BAWSE! Ross spits inspired lines like, “So many shades they thought I had a lazy eye/No love, only cry when babies die” and “Fuck a blog dog, one day we gone meet.” [Gulp.] Afterward, him and Meek split the hook screaming, “I’m a boss!” on some B-Real/Sen Dog shit.
Pill f/ Gunplay "Don't Let Me Go"
Meek Mill f/ Wale & Rick Ross “Pandemonium”
Produced by: Lee Major
Complex says: You might have forgot, but this song dropped way back in January before Wale and Meek were confirmed to have signed to MMG. “Welcome to organized crime,” Ross says. “Money got me excited, I’m coming four or five times.” The longest song on here, Ross, Meek, and Mr. Folarin all go for 32 bars.