MAYBACH MUSIC GROUP: BETTER THAN EVER

5 years ago Rick Ross founded a record label imprint that would soon become larger than life. Since its founding, Maybach Music Group has become one of the most successful imprints in the history of the Hip Hop industry, having released 11 top ten albums and 4 #1 albums. MMG has released more #1 albums than G.O.O.D. Music, Top Dawg Entertainment, Odd Future Records and 1017 Records combined. On top of that, they’ve also had three albums reach Gold certification from the Recording Industry Association of America.

All of these accolades, yet it seems like the “Untouchable Empire” is only getting started. MMG has two albums scheduled to drop within the next month and a half from Stalley and Rick Ross. As well as two of the most highly anticipated albums in MMG history on their way from Wale & Meek Mill. Incredible, but it still feels like I’m forgetting something. Meek Mill, the hometown hero of Philadelphia PA, had his probation revoked over the summer and was sentenced to jail. Thus delaying his sophomore studio album “Dreams Worth More Than Money”, which was originally slated for release on September 9th. The amount of anticipation generated as a result is unreal, and DWMTM might have surpassed the amount of hype his debut album had upon its release. There’s a lot going on for MMG right now, but I’m going to start with the big debut from Stalley.

Stalley – Ohio

The debut from the Ohio native is already taking the rap game by surprise. The first three singles “Jackin’ Chevys”, “Always Into Something (feat. Ty Dolla $ign)” and “One More Shot (feat. Rick Ross & August Alsina)” all sound like they’ve come from seasoned veterans of the rap game. It’s no secret that Stalley has been putting people on notice since signing with MMG, but his hard work is clearly paying off in a huge way. It’s clear to see that Stalley’s popularity will continue to grow after the release of “Ohio”. The amount of ambition in Stalley is evident not only because this is a difficult time of year to release an album, but also because he’s going up against people like Taylor Swift, Run The Jewels and possibly even Lil Wayne (strike that, in usual Wayne fashion it’s been delayed). But to release a debut album at such a highly contested time shows his confidence in the quality of music as well as confidence in the MMG fan base.

Rick Ross – Hood Billionaire

Not even a year removed from his mega-hit album Mastermind, Rick Ross is already set to release his seventh studio album. What do most rappers do after having a #1 album? Go on a nationwide tour, make some music videos? Not Rozay, he’s right back in the studio working on new music. We’ve already heard two tracks off Hood Billionaire with features from Project Pat & R. Kelly. But, Ross has also confirmed appearances from Jay-Z, T.I. and K. Michelle. Him and Jay-Z have already teamed up for “The Devil Is a Lie” and “FuckWithMeYouKnowIGotIt” which were both incredible tracks. But now the two collab on a new track “Movin Base” which will likely take the streets by storm.

Meek Milll – Dreams Worth More Than Money

#FreeMeekMill The King of Philadelphia is behind bars and now not only is everyone waiting for Meek to once again become a free man, but also for the release of his sophomore studio album. The track list for “Dreams Worth Morea free man, but also for the release of his sophomore studio album. The track list for “Dreams Worth More Than Money” has been slowly pieced together throughout Meek’s incarceration but a full tracklist hasn’t been confirmed due to Meek likely wanting to add more or change things once he’s home. But right now we can confirm guest features from Jay-Z, Rick Ross, Big Sean, A$AP Ferg, Boosie Badazz, Rita Ora, Ty Dolla $ign, Migos and likely more to come. The amount of possibilities of what Meek will do when he’s finally out of prison is endless. He could completely switch the style up for DWMTM and blow us all out of the water. He could finish the album as planned and immediately start working on a new project, possibly Dreamchasers 4 or album number 3. Rick Ross even said in an interview with Power 105.1 that Meek “will be on his Makaveli” once he’s out. As for what actually happens once the caged lion is released, we’ll just have to wait and see. But whatever it is, it’ll be nothing short of amazing.

Wale – The Album About Nothing (feat. Jerry Seinfeld)

Who would’ve thought that Wale’s Seinfeld-inspired “The Mixtape About Nothing” would result in an album featuring Jerry Seinfeld himself? Not many. When most people score their first #1 album they usually struggle to find ways to top it. Not Wale, “The Album About Nothing” was announced before his last album “The Gifted” was even released. So far Wale has released two Seinfeld-inspired mixtapes, but the album will be the first one to feature Jerry Seinfeld. Not only that, but will contain original content recorded by Seinfeld specifically for the album. Will he do something on every song? Will he appear periodically throughout the album? Will he just do one long segment smack in the middle of the album? Right now we’ll just have to wait and see, but we know Wale has it handled. This album has massive sales potential with Wale’s popularity constantly growing, and the added publicity from Jerry Seinfeld’s inclusion. This will likely be his best selling album of all time, and Wale knows how to deliver.

Gunplay – Living Legend

Gunplay is the only member of Maybach Music that’s co-signed to Def Jam (excluding Rick ross), that’s not something that’s just given away. Gunplay’s been preparing his debut solo studio album for almost two years now so the expectations are pretty high for this one. We really haven’t gotten a taste of Living Legend yet so we’re not quite sure what to expect yet.

Omarion – Sex Playlist

Omarion’s fourth solo studio album and his first solo album since signing with Maybach Music. This will be MMG’s first full R&B album so it should be interesting to see how it fairs. Omarion’s taken a back seat for the most part since a large portion of MMG’s roster is ready to drop music right now. Omarion’s definitely had his fair share of label issues over the last 6-7 years but Maybach Music usually does a good job at resolving those problems. The amount of information revealed about this album is almost non-existent, but we could get surprised with this one.

Written by Mike McCarthy. Published on November 4th, 2014.