Last week, Maybach Music Group and Warner Bros. Records sent a save the date for a special press conference to take place at the Eventi Hotel in New York City. Rumors circulated that the event, hosted by Rap Radar’s Elliott Wilson, would be for the signing of Omarion and Mase, as well as release dates for Self Made Vol. 2 and God Forgives, I Don’t.
This afternoon, Ross appeared to announce several new ventures including a big and tall line with Swizz Beatz and Reebok; a June 26th release date for Self Made Vol. 2; an August 28th release date for Meek Mill’s debut Dreams & Nightmares; a July 31st release date for Rick Ross’ God Forgives, I Don’t; and Omarion’s signing to Maybach Music Group.
With Def Jam and WBR executives including Lyor Cohen, Steve Bartels and Todd Moscowitz, as well as Sean “Diddy” Combs and Swizz Beatz, in attendance, the event began with a short film that showcased the MMG squad, which includes Rick Ross, Wale, Meek Mill and Stalley. CEO of Recorded Music for Warner Bros. Lyor Cohen took the podium to introduce Ross, marking the first time that he’s publicly introduced an artist or label since Roc-A-Fella Records 18 years ago.
“When I got a chance to meet him, I saw someone that was going to be undeterred in achieving the success that he has,” said Cohen. “He’s not satisfied. There’s no stopping him. I’m so grateful that I’m associated with him and that the Warner Bros. label is associated with him. The possibilities that Rick and Maybach Music are going to bring is going to be, in my mind, unprecedented.”
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After a short Q&A with Ross about his in-studio work ethic and social media savvy, Swizz Beatz took the podium to announce a partnership with Rick Ross for Reebok to release a big and tall clothing line.
“He’s going to lead the big and tall movement,” said Swizz. “There’s a limit with clothes that stops at a certain point. With Ross, everything has to be custom made. […] I felt that instead of just doing a regular sneaker, we give Ross his own big and tall line.”
Diddy was next to take the stage, praising Ross’ abilities and thanking him for promoting Ciroc. “I’m here to celebrate the hard work and success of my brother Rick Ross,” he said. “He, to me, is one of the hardest working men in this business. To have a relationship with him, this is not by accident. […] I know he will go down in history as one of the great record men.”
Wale took over to announce that Self Made Vol. 2 will release on June 26th, while Meek Mill revealed that his debut album Dreams & Nightmares will drop on August 28th. Rick Ross also said that his upcoming album God Forgives, I Don’t will hit retail on July 31st and that a single will drop “extremely soon.”
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Rick Ross then brought out Omarion and announced him as the latest signing to Maybach Music Group. “A lot of people have been wondering what’s up with Omarion? Is his career over?” said Omarion. “I’ve never been a fan of popular opinion, but from now on, when you see me, understand that it’s Maybach Music.” After French Montana announced the release date for his debut Excuse My French (July 17th), and that the first single will feature Rick Ross, Drake and Lil Wayne, Omarion played his new single “Let’s Talk” that samples The Notorious B.I.G.
Rick Ross said that he just “lets the rumors circulate” regarding signings, but wouldn’t confirm any partnerships with Mase, Dom Kennedy or Nipsey Hussle.
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