Rick Ross Inspired by Diddy and Birdman in Building Maybach Music Group
Rick Ross is making major moves with Maybach Music Group (MMG). As a result, it’s a label that has quickly become a dominant force in hip-hop. MMG is now a powerhouse. So, Ross recently revealed that his blueprint for success came from hip-hop moguls Diddy and Birdman.
The Miami rapper has long been connected to hip-hop’s elite, collaborating with Cash Money Records and forging a strong alliance with Diddy’s Bad Boy Records since 2009. However, rather than joining an existing empire, Ross decided to build his own, using lessons learned from hip-hop’s greatest business minds.
The Inspiration Behind Maybach Music Group
In a recent interview with Billboard, Rick Ross shared how he studied the business strategies of Diddy, Birdman, and Master P. He admired how these moguls turned their labels into cultural movements, each with its own distinct brand, sound, and legacy.
“Building Maybach Music Group, of course, I was inspired by some of the earlier movements and earlier dudes that came along such as Cash Money [and] Bad Boy Records,” Ross explained. “To me, when I really think about the greatest era of hip-hop, that was the greatest era. When I turned on the TV and saw Big, Mase, Junior Mafia, and The Lox, that was the most exciting era of hip-hop.”
Ross also highlighted the camaraderie and brotherhood of No Limit Records, founded by Master P, as another inspiration for his approach to artist development.
The Birth of Maybach Music Group
Rick Ross launched Maybach Music Group (MMG) in 2009, initially signing local artists he had grown up with in Miami. While the label had moderate success in its early years, it wasn’t until early this year that Ross aggressively expanded his roster.
During these past few months, Ross handpicked artists like Wale, Meek Mill, Pill, and R&B singer Teedra Moses to join alongside Gunplay, Torch, and Masspike Miles, assembling what he called a “well-oiled machine.”
“My thought process on choosing a selected few was really who I felt had the potential to blossom into one of the biggest artists,” Ross shared.
Each artist brought unique talents and fan bases to MMG, further solidifying the label’s reputation as a major player in the music industry.
Diddy and Birdman’s Influence on MMG’s Business Strategy
While Ross credits Diddy and Birdman for inspiring his approach, he also carefully studied their business models. When it came time to secure a distribution deal for MMG, both Bad Boy and Cash Money made offers.
Despite the temptation to align MMG with an established brand, Ross chose to go directly to a major label. He saw the long-term benefits of controlling his own empire, much like Diddy with Bad Boy and Birdman with Cash Money.
His decision paid off when MMG secured a major distribution deal that allowed Ross to maintain creative control and ownership over his label.
The Making of ‘Self Made Vol. 1’
With MMG’s new powerhouse lineup, Ross wasted no time in crafting the label’s first collaborative album, ‘Self Made Vol. 1’, scheduled for release on May 23, 2011. Currently, Tupac Back is dominating the radio, as it’s become the most-popular song from the album.
The project was designed to showcase the unique styles of MMG’s artists. Thus, providing a platform for Wale, Meek Mill, Pill, and others to introduce themselves under the MMG banner.
The album featured a mix of radio-friendly singles and hard-hitting street anthems. Therefore, proving that MMG had the talent to compete with hip-hop’s biggest labels.
How Ross is Building a Legacy Like His Mentors
Rick Ross isn’t just focused on short-term success—he is building a legacy similar to Diddy and Birdman. His business approach mirrors their ability to balance artistry and entrepreneurship.
1. Artist Development & Loyalty
Ross understands the importance of nurturing talent and keeping his artists in-house. Similar to how Diddy helped mold artists like The Notorious B.I.G. and Ma$e, Ross is committed to developing MMG into a dynasty.
2. Expanding Beyond Music
Just as Birdman leveraged Cash Money into a multi-faceted empire, Ross is expanding MMG’s influence into fashion, real estate, and branding deals. His business ventures outside of music ensure MMG’s longevity.
3. Branding & Marketing
One of the key lessons Ross learned from Diddy and Birdman was the power of branding. From MMG’s signature ad-libs to its luxury aesthetic, Ross ensures that his brand stands out.
The Future of Maybach Music Group
Currently, Rick Ross and Maybach Music Group are at a pivotal moment. With ‘Self Made Vol. 1’ on the way and an all-star roster of artists, MMG is positioned to become hip-hop’s next great label dynasty.
Ross’ decision to study the past while creating his own lane has already started paying off. His vision for MMG is clear—build an empire that will stand the test of time, just like Bad Boy and Cash Money before it.
With Diddy and Birdman as guiding inspirations, Rick Ross is proving that he’s not just a rapper—he’s a mogul in the making.
Conclusion
Rick Ross made a name for himself by talking that big talk. When he hinted about signing Wale, most wrote it off as big talk. Likewise, when Ross began hanging out with Diddy, most assumed it was due to his similarities with The Notorious B.I.G. However, it was always a bigger play from Ross.
While the world wrote Rick Ross off as another Southern rapper, he was playing his position. Early in his career, Ross was signed to Slip-N-Slide Records, where Ted Lucas ran the show. Through Lucas, Ross was able to secure a deal with Def Jam, where he met Jay-Z.
Through these deals, Rick Ross was able to secure Ted Lucas, Jay-Z, and Diddy as mentors. In addition, he was already a fan of moguls like Birdman and Master P. So, Ross leveraged his own hit records for his own movement. When he established Maybach Music, Ross first went to his own label home, Def Jam.
The success of Ross’ solo music allowed Maybach Music to gain traction. Instead of going the traditional route and signing the label as a crew under Bad Boy or Cash Money, Ross borrowed their playbook and found MMG a home with Warner Bros.
