Rick Ross sets up shop with Warner Bros. Records
Rick Ross Finalizes Maybach Music Group Deal With Warner Bros.
After weeks of speculation and industry chatter, Rick Ross officially announces that his Maybach Music Group imprint has inked a major deal with Warner Bros. Records. The move surprises many, especially as heavy hitters like Cash Money, Interscope, and Roc Nation were also in talks. But with this new partnership, Ross secures not just a label home, but full-scale distribution, marketing, and promotion support for his roster.
Taking to Twitter in the early hours of Saturday, Ross confirms the move himself, stating, “Its official!!!!!! @maybachmusicgrp has partnered with Warner Bros!!!!!!!!!!!s/o Lyor Cohen..Tod..Joey I.e..dallas..and mybrother GucciPucci. Deal of the CENTURY!!!!!!!!!!!!! #MMG #WB.”
Why Rick Ross Chose Warner Bros. Records
While Cash Money Records appeared to be the leading candidate for Ross and MMG, the boss took a different route. Reports show that Rick Ross weighed his options carefully, meeting with leaders across the industry. Roc Nation, Cash Money, and Interscope Records were all in the mix. Even Def Jam, his original label, hoped to retain a stake in his future.
However, Warner Bros. offered something more valuable to Ross—a structure that not only supports him but positions his Maybach Music Group artists for long-term success. From a branding perspective, the Warner Bros. offer came with autonomy, strategic guidance from industry veterans like Lyor Cohen, and the resources to match Ross’s vision.
The Business of Maybach Music Group
With the ink drying on the Warner Bros. deal, Rick Ross now looks ahead to shaping Maybach Music Group into one of the most formidable labels in hip hop. Since its inception, MMG has grown from Ross’s personal imprint into a full-fledged label with rising stars like Wale and Meek Mill.
Ross describes the deal as more than just business—it’s validation. “It just solidifies we’re one of the fastest-growing labels in hip-hop,” he recently told The Source. “Right now we’re on fire. We’re making the best music, and it’s not just temporary. We brought a whole new sound to the game.”
From Free Agent to Executive Boss
Coming off the success of his 2010 album Teflon Don, Ross became one of the hottest free agents in the industry. With Def Jam contract obligations fulfilled, he was free to choose his next step. But rather than simply sign on as an artist, Ross used the leverage of his buzz to elevate his label to major-player status.
Now, as the head of Maybach Music Group under Warner Bros., Rick Ross takes on a dual role: still delivering hit records, but also shaping the careers of his signees. The deal includes full distribution and marketing resources, giving MMG artists top-tier visibility and access to major media platforms.
Meek Mill and Wale Anchor MMG Roster
As part of this new chapter, Ross has already added key talent to the Maybach Music roster. Earlier this month, Wale, formerly of Interscope, officially signed to MMG. Just days later, Ross announced that Philadelphia rapper Meek Mill had also joined the team. Both signings signal that Ross is serious about artist development and talent curation.
These artists bring more than names to the roster—they represent regional and stylistic diversity. Wale provides lyrical depth with a DMV edge, while Meek Mill brings aggressive street energy and a growing mixtape following from Philadelphia. Ross understands that a successful label must represent a wide spectrum of hip hop voices.
A Bidding War of Hip Hop Titans
Before finalizing the Warner Bros. deal, Ross was courted by some of the most powerful figures in music. Birdman from Cash Money confirmed in interviews that talks were underway. Diddy, with his Interscope partnership, had also expressed interest in bringing Ross and MMG into the Bad Boy fold. Roc Nation, helmed by Jay-Z, was reportedly monitoring the situation as well.
The buzz around MMG’s next move speaks volumes. As a brand, Maybach Music Group proved its marketability with projects like Deeper Than Rap, the Custom Cars & Cycles album by Triple C’s, and Ross’s solo output. The label’s brand strength made it one of the most desirable properties in hip hop.
Maybach Music Group’s Origin and Growth
Rick Ross founded Maybach Music Group in 2009, using the release of Deeper Than Rap as the label’s inaugural project. Shortly after, he formed the group Triple C’s with members Gunplay, Torch, and Young Breed, releasing their debut album Custom Cars & Cycles the same year.
Despite opportunities with other artists like Wiz Khalifa, who ultimately chose Atlantic, Ross remained focused on curating a roster that aligned with his sound and vision. His recruitment of West Coast rapper Roccett and later Wale and Meek Mill shows a strategic blend of regional appeal and lyrical talent.
The Vision Behind the Move
What sets Ross apart isn’t just his ability to rap or market his brand—it’s his vision. Partnering with Warner Bros. positions him as not just a rapper, but a label executive with real influence. By securing creative control and full infrastructure for MMG, Ross ensures that his artists are not only signed but supported.
Ross’s quote from Twitter calling it the “Deal of the CENTURY” might sound dramatic, but it’s clear he sees the long game. He’s setting up Maybach Music Group to be a sustainable and self-sufficient enterprise, not reliant on another artist’s brand, but standing firmly on its own.
What This Means for the Industry
The Rick Ross Warner Bros. deal reshapes the power dynamics in hip hop. For years, Cash Money/Young Money, G.O.O.D. Music, and Roc Nation have dominated the label conversation. Now, MMG enters the arena with momentum and a powerful partner.
This move also reflects a growing trend of artists taking control of their business. Instead of signing traditional artist deals, more rappers are establishing labels and seeking distribution deals that give them ownership and control.
Conclusion — MMG Sets the Tone for a New Era
Rick Ross’s decision to partner Maybach Music Group with Warner Bros. Records marks a pivotal moment in his career and the larger music industry. It’s more than a contract signing—it’s a statement about leadership, independence, and legacy. With Wale, Meek Mill, and a growing roster behind him, Ross is turning MMG into a powerhouse that doesn’t just follow trends but sets them.
The boss is no longer just pushing solo hits. He’s building a brand. With Warner Bros. behind him, the Maybach empire is in full motion—and the game is watching.