By Hardcore Critic
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer
Following the success of the initial Maybach Music album, Rick Ross said it was only the beginning. With his own new album in the works and new albums in the works from Meek Mill and Stalley, Maybach Music has been working hard. Early in 2012, the players from Team Maybach have been gaining popularity.
After dominating the mixtape game for six months, Rick Ross breaking records with his Rich Forever project. In the spring of 2012, Rick Ross held a press conference revealing the Maybach Music release dates and the signing of Omarion. During this press conference, it was revealed when Self Made 2 would be released.
In the weeks leading up to the release of the album, Hip Hop Vibe was afforded the chance to speak with both Gunplay and Young Breed. When Gunplay spoke with Hip Hop Vibe, he spoke on having the opening words on the album. Finally released, the music did not disappoint. Gunplay’s excellent year continues on the album, but the other Maybach players show up and often.
Wale, Meek Mill, Rick Ross, and Stalley continue to portray themselves as the faces of Maybach Music Group. With the new additions to the label, Maybach Music continues to deliver some of the best music in hip hop. A few voices of the initial Self Made album were missing and Omarion was a noticable pick-up for the label. Still, Maybach Music continues to redefine the concepts of various music releases. Turning Self Made into a series, as opposed to an introductory compilation album has paid off for Maybach Music.
Instead of simply a showcase for the signed Maybach Music artists, however, Self Made 2 also served as a platform for Maybach Music affiliates such as French Montana, who shined on the album. The Maybach Music formula, which has proven successful over the past year and a half, worked to its maximum abilities on Self Made 2, as everyone was given their time to shine and all were well-received. As a compilation, Maybach Music has provided the soundtrack for the summer of 2012 and will be one of 2012’s best albums.
Hip Hop Vibe’s Rating: 8/10
