Birdman confirms Maybach Music deal
Hip Hop Power Moves in Motion: Birdman Says MMG Might Sign With Cash Money
In what could be one of the biggest label deals of the year, Cash Money Records mogul Birdman has confirmed that he is in active talks with Rick Ross to bring Maybach Music Group (MMG) under the Cash Money umbrella. While nothing is official yet, the confirmation signals major movement in the hip-hop industry, especially as Rick Ross’ own star power continues to rise.
Birdman, also known as Baby, revealed the discussions in a recent interview, expressing nothing but respect for Ross and admiration for the Maybach Music brand. “We in talks right now,” Birdman said. “If we do or if we don’t that’s still my partner, and one day in life we will… That’s my friend first of all, that’s my partner [and] that’s my homie. I have a lot of respect for Ross and what he’s trying to do.”
Rick Ross: Label Boss on the Rise
Rick Ross launched Maybach Music Group in 2008, but it wasn’t until the past year that the label began building serious momentum. After his high-profile feud with 50 Cent and a strong 2010 run that included the critically acclaimed Teflon Don album, Ross has leveraged his status to bolster his label. In the past few weeks alone, he has confirmed the signings of both Wale and Meek Mill, two artists with significant underground and commercial appeal.
Ross’ recent Twitter activity reveals a sense of urgency and ambition. “EVERYONE WELCOME @MEEKMILL TO THE EMPIRE!!! #MMG,” Ross tweeted earlier this month. That came shortly after the official announcement of Wale joining the camp. Assembling a talented and diverse roster, Ross is now positioning MMG as a major player among hip-hop collectives.
A Crowded Bidding War
Birdman is not the only one trying to secure a deal with Maybach Music. Sources close to the situation have said that multiple industry titans are also in talks with Ross. Jay-Z’s Roc Nation/Sony, Warner Music under Lyor Cohen, and Diddy in partnership with Interscope’s Jimmy Iovine are all reportedly involved in this heated label bidding war. Ross, a longtime artist on Def Jam, is now a free agent. So, he is looking for a partnership that aligns with his vision for MMG.
While many suitors are in the mix, insiders say Birdman remains the most serious contender, largely due to his personal relationship with Ross and the business infrastructure already in place through Cash Money and Young Money.
Cash Money: The Label Standard
Cash Money Records, founded by Birdman and his brother Slim in the early ’90s, has evolved into one of the most influential labels in hip-hop history. In recent years, the Young Money arm led by Lil Wayne has taken center stage, boasting megastars like Drake and Nicki Minaj. Even though Birdman and Cash Money may not dominate radio play like they once did in the early 2000s, the brand remains synonymous with success.
Adding Maybach Music Group to the roster could be a generational move, especially as Young Money transitions into a mature brand. The partnership would bring together two of the most dynamic artist-entrepreneurs in the game: Rick Ross and Birdman. For Ross, it offers an opportunity to tap into an established distribution network while maintaining control of his MMG roster. For Birdman, it’s a chance to add another powerhouse to his empire.
A History of Collaboration
This isn’t the first time Birdman and Rick Ross have discussed working together. Since 2008, the two have publicly hinted at a joint album. In late 2009, Ross said, “We gonna let that [album] go next year… We actually start filming at the very end of this year.” The collaborative energy between these two titans of hip-hop has long been palpable, and this potential deal could finally formalize what has been years in the making.
The chemistry between them is evident on records and in public appearances, and fans have long speculated about what an official business partnership could look like. With Ross now building his MMG roster into a full-fledged movement, the timing for a deal couldn’t be better.
Potential Impact on Hip Hop
If a Cash Money=Maybach Music deal goes through, it could send shockwaves through the hip-hop industry. Consider what Ross brings to the table: a proven chart-topping artist with major commercial hits, a growing label with artists on the rise, and a carefully curated aesthetic that blends street credibility with luxury branding.
Aligning MMG with Cash Money would create one of the most formidable rap alliances of the decade. It would also cement Ross’ evolution from solo artist to true mogul. On the other side, Birdman would once again show his ability to reinvent Cash Money by identifying and aligning with movements that define the culture.
Why Ross Might Choose Cash Money
Among all the interested labels, Cash Money arguably presents the most appealing offer for Rick Ross. First, there’s the long-standing friendship with Birdman, which provides a level of trust and mutual respect that other labels may not offer. Second, there’s the proven success of Young Money. Seeing what Wayne did with Drake and Nicki Minaj, Ross can envision similar possibilities for Wale, Meek Mill, and the rest of MMG.
Additionally, Cash Money offers a rare balance of independence and reach. The label is distributed by Universal, giving MMG access to global platforms, while allowing Ross to maintain control of his artists and creative direction. That autonomy could be the deciding factor in finalizing a partnership.
No Timeline, But Heavy Buzz
While Birdman’s confirmation doesn’t suggest a deal is imminent, it solidifies the fact that serious discussions are underway. “We in talks right now,” Birdman stated clearly, and that’s enough to set the industry abuzz. With the hip-hop power landscape always evolving, this potential partnership is the kind of move that could redefine 2011.
Both camps are remaining tight-lipped about details. But as long as Ross continues to build Maybach Music with smart, strategic signings and Birdman remains one of the genre’s most respected dealmakers, this is a development worth watching closely.