Rick Ross talks Nicki Minaj and Wiz Khalifa

Rick Ross Crowns Nicki Minaj a Lyricist, Eyes Wiz Khalifa for Maybach Music

The summer of 2010 belonged to Nicki Minaj. From her scene-stealing verse on Kanye West’s “Monster” to her debut album Pink Friday looming on the horizon, the Young Money rapper has been everywhere. But one voice in hip-hop remained cautiously reserved about her skills—until now. Rick Ross, fresh off the success of his Teflon Don album, has officially come around. In a recent interview with Rap-Up TV, Ross detailed the moment he witnessed Minaj’s lyrical prowess firsthand and declared her verse on “Monster” one of the greatest of the year.

But Ross is not just talking about Nicki. The Maybach Music Group head is also expanding his empire. In a separate interview with The BoomBox, Ross revealed that he has been courting Wiz Khalifa to join his growing roster. The Pittsburgh rapper, known for his laid-back flow and marijuana anthems, has declined—for now. But Ross remains a fan, comparing Khalifa to “that new Snoop Dogg.” With Teflon Don still dominating and Maybach Music building momentum, Ross is positioning himself as hip-hop’s ultimate talent scout.

The “Monster” Session That Changed Everything

Ross was in Hawaii, working with Kanye West on what would become one of the most talked-about tracks of this year. “Monster” already had a legendary lineup: Kanye, Jay-Z, and Nicki Minaj. But Ross was not initially sure what to expect. He walked into the studio, heard the beat, and watched the creative process unfold. Nicki Minaj was already writing her verse. Ross sat back and observed, knowing he was witnessing something special.

“I’m thinking to myself, this is what working on The Chronic must have felt like,” Ross recalled. Kanye was still flowing his rhymes off the top of his head. Minaj was locked in, writing intently. Ross decided to contribute an intro for the track, adding his signature “Fat [expletive]” ad-lib to set the tone. But it was Minaj’s performance that left him speechless.

“She earned my respect as a lyricist that day,” Ross said. Before that moment, he viewed her as a great entertainer. But watching her write, get in the booth, and rock back and forth in front of the mic changed his perspective. “To hear the [expletive] she was saying, man, it was almost unbelievable.” Ross took his hat off to her right there. He told her she had delivered one of the greatest verses of the year. And judging by the reaction from fans and critics, he was right.

Nicki Minaj’s Summer Dominance

The “Monster” verse was a turning point. But it was not Nicki Minaj’s only victory of the summer. Throughout this year, she has been ubiquitous. Her guest verses on tracks like Ludacris’s “My Chick Bad” and Usher’s “Lil Freak” kept her in heavy rotation. Her debut album, Pink Friday, is scheduled for release later this year and has been one of the most anticipated projects in hip-hop. She has also been a consistent presence on reality television, particularly through her appearances on My Super Sweet 16 and other MTV programming.

Ross acknowledged her trajectory in the Rap-Up interview. He noted that he had watched her dominate the summer alongside the rest of the hip-hop world. But he was not fully convinced until he saw her work in person. “Sometimes you hear her rhyme and it’s almost unbelievable,” he said. “You can’t help but think, ‘Wow, it must have been a room full of people helping her with that one.’ But I was there. I saw her write it. I saw her lay it.”

Kanye West had already gone on record saying Minaj has the potential to be one of the greatest rappers of all time. Ross did not go that far in his comments, but he did not dispute the notion either. His endorsement carries weight. As one of hip-hop’s most respected voices, Ross’s co-sign signals that Minaj is not just a pop novelty or a reality TV star—she is a legitimate lyricist who can stand alongside the game’s elite.

Wiz Khalifa: The One Who Got Away

While Ross was praising Nicki Minaj in one interview, he was discussing another rising star in another. Wiz Khalifa, the Pittsburgh rapper making noise with his new single “Black and Yellow” and his Kush & OJ mixtape, has been on Ross’s radar for a while. Ross told The BoomBox that he wanted to bring Khalifa into the Maybach Music fold. “That’s my homie,” Ross said. “I just talked to him the other day. Wiz to me, his flow—he’s like that new Snoop Dogg to me.”

Ross’s comparison is significant. Snoop Dogg defined a generation of West Coast hip-hop with his laid-back delivery and effortless charisma. Ross sees similar qualities in Khalifa: a relaxed flow, a humble demeanor, and a work ethic that sets him apart. “Dude’s just so humble,” Ross said. “When you meet him, he’s just a down-to-earth, cool dude. He just gets in the studio and does his business.” Ross wanted to “intensify his situation” by bringing him to Maybach Music.

But Khalifa declined. The 23-year-old has his own plans. He turned down Drake’s offer to join the Light Dreams and Nightmares tour so he could focus on his own Waken Baken tour. He is building his brand on his own terms, and so far, it is working. His Kush & OJ mixtape, released earlier this year, became a trending topic on Twitter after he posted the download link to his 300,000-plus followers. He is scheduled to release his third full-length album in 2011. For Ross, the rejection is disappointing but not personal.

Maybach Music’s Growing Roster

Rick Ross founded Maybach Music Group in 2008, but the label has been building momentum throughout 2010. The roster currently includes The Triple C’s (a group featuring Gunplay, Torch, and Young Breed), Young Dice, and Torch as a solo artist, in addition to Ross himself. Each artist brings something different to the table. Ross has emphasized the importance of diversity, ensuring that Maybach Music does not become a one-note operation.

The label’s profile has risen alongside Ross’s own success. Teflon Don, released on July 20, debuted at number two on the Billboard 200 with first-week sales of approximately 176,000 copies. The album has been praised for its luxurious, confident mafioso rap sound. Singles like “Super High” featuring Ne-Yo and the street anthem “B.M.F. (Blowin’ Money Fast)” featuring Styles P have dominated clubs, radio, and mixtape circuits. “B.M.F.” in particular became one of the biggest records of the year, with its iconic “I think I’m Big Meech, Larry Hoover” refrain defining the moment.

Ross’s ambitions for Maybach Music extend beyond his own success. He has expressed interest in signing additional artists and building a stable that can compete with the major labels. Wiz Khalifa would have been a significant addition, but Ross respects his decision to stay independent. For now, Ross continues to focus on his own projects, including an upcoming video for “Aston Martin Music” featuring Drake and Chrisette Michele, which he describes as “another Avatar” in terms of cinematic quality.

Ross’s Evolution from Slip-N-Slide to “The Boss”

Rick Ross’s journey to hip-hop authority has been anything but typical. He emerged from the Slip-N-Slide Records stable in the mid-2000s, releasing his debut single “Hustlin'” in 2006. The track became an anthem, and his debut album, Port of Miami, debuted at number one on the Billboard 200. But Ross’s early career was marked by questions about his authenticity, particularly when his past as a corrections officer was revealed. Critics questioned whether he was truly “the boss” he claimed to be.

Ross answered those questions with his music. Albums like Trilla (2008), Deeper Than Rap (2009), and now Teflon Don (2010) have established him as a consistent force in hip-hop. His ability to craft luxurious, cinematic narratives about street life has earned him respect from peers and fans alike. He has also navigated industry challenges, including a name lawsuit from the real “Freeway” Ricky Ross earlier this year. The lawsuit was dismissed, and Teflon Don arrived on schedule.

Ross has also learned from other industry giants. He spent time with Diddy, absorbing lessons about business and branding. He has watched Lil Wayne build Young Money into a powerhouse. Now, he wants Maybach Music to be the next great label. His roster is small but growing. His influence is expanding. And with the success of Teflon Don, Ross is no longer just a rapper—he is an executive. The boss title, once questioned, now fits comfortably.

What’s Next for Maybach Music and Its Founder

Currently, Rick Ross is in prime “boss” mode. Teflon Don continues to generate buzz. The video for “Aston Martin Music,” shot in Miami with Drake and Chrisette Michele, is expected to be a cinematic spectacle. Ross has also been performing heavily, including an upcoming appearance with Bun B in Dallas. His guest verses continue to populate hip-hop’s biggest projects. And Maybach Music is positioned for growth.

Ross’s comments on Nicki Minaj and Wiz Khalifa reveal something about his approach to the music industry. He is a student of the game, always watching, always learning. He recognizes talent when he sees it and is not afraid to admit when he was wrong. His co-sign of Minaj, delivered with humility and respect, signals that he values lyricism above all else. His pursuit of Khalifa, even after being turned down, shows that he is willing to take risks. For Rick Ross, the summer of 2010 was a victory lap. But the work is just beginning.