MOG Editorial Review

Maybach Music Group is the label headed by Miami rapper Rick Ross, who earned a place among hip-hop's elite in 2011 due to a string of stellar albums and guest appearances, and now he's got a stellar posse record to boot. Joining Rick in MMG is Philadelphia MC Meek Mill, D.C. rapper Wale, and Pill, hailing from Atlanta, GA. Heading into the release of this album the burning question would be whether or not Maybach Music Group could shake the long history of underwhelming compilation albums released by rap crews. The questions are immediately put to rest with the scorching hot single "Tupac Back", which has Meek Mill taking the spotlight while Rick Ross handles the hook. One thing that makes Self Made: Vol. 1 work is the fact that each emcee is someone that can carry the load on their own rather than a bit player. Some compilation efforts also suffer the pitfalls of sounding like a mixtape, but MMG's debut offering is a well-constructed album that only leaves us excited about what's in store for the young roster.