By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer
Ever since he first introduced himself to the rap world, Rick Ross has been referring to himself as “the boss.” However, it was not until his breakout hit single, “The Boss,” did fans around the world begin looking at Rick Ross as a contender in the hip hop game. It would be another year before Rick Ross made himself a boss, with the founding of his Maybach Music Group.
Following the launch of MMG, Rick Ross’ career began to take off. Many, including Rick Ross, credit much of this success to his high-profile 2009 feud with 50 Cent. Unlike other artists who have gone against 50 Cent, Rick Ross was able to make it work out in his favor. Towards the end of 2010, Rick Ross was recruiting high-profile artists for his Maybach Music label.
Early in 2011, Rick Ross added Meek Mill and Wale to the label. Before the end of 2011, Rick Ross added numerous other artists to the label. Due to the rapid expansion of the Maybach Music roster, a bidding war over the label began. Several labels, including Bad Boy and Cash Money, lined up to become the home of Maybach Music.
One day after Birdman announced Cash Money Records had won the bidding war for Maybach Music, Rick Ross revealed he decided to enter a new partnership with Warner Bros. Records. The deal was worth several million and helped to establish Rick Ross as a mogul. Still, the Miami rapper did not receive the props he felt he deserved at Forbes. Every year, Forbes calculates the earnings of the top hip hop artists. Last year, the magazine reported Birdman’s net worth at $100 million and Birdman argued his worth was much closer to $1 billion.
A similar agrument has risen with Rick Ross and the finance magazine. Forbes projected Rick Ross’ earnings for 2011 being around $6 million, something Rick Ross denies in his cover story with The Source. Speaking on the projection, Rick Ross said Forbes was “way off.”
