Rick Ross Hosts ‘Mastermind’ Private Listening Session + What to Expect…

On Thursday night (Feb. 20), Def Jam, Maybach Music Group, and Tree Sound Studios (in Atlanta) hosted a private listening session for Mastermind. As expected, Rick Ross was in the building to present the album, which is less than 11 days away from its official release date (March 4). The place was packed with industry veterans, DJs, media, and tastemakers all under one roof to listen to Mastermind in its entirety before it goes public.

Celebrities and socialites including Trae the Truth, Lil Wayne, Tracy T,  T-Pain, Terri Vaughn, Traci Braxton and her hubby Gabe, Big Tigger, DJ Drama, R.L. from Next, Mr. Ruggs, Blue Davinci and many others were also there in support of Ross’s new project.

Mali Hunter, a very well-respected industry vet and official hostess for the evening, and her Tree Sounds family laid out the red carpet for all of the guests.  A delicious southern meal was prepared for everyone, which included fried chicken, green beans, collards, mac-n-cheese, pulled pork/chicken, and much more. Bellaire Rose, Ciroc, and Hennessey flowed through out the evening as well. As always, everyone felt comforted and excited about the new music that was coming.

THE ALBUM…

As for Mastermind, let’s just say…Rick Ross may surprise a few with this new album. The level of continuity, concept, production and lyricism has remained the same, yet it has upgraded possibly due to his maturity in the game and as a man. The album, as a whole, is one that will be well-liked by hip hop heads. It is well-thought out. Tracks aren’t obviously thrown together, as many rap albums we’ve heard in the last 10 years. Mastermind stays true to Ross’s ability to bring imagination and truth together and make us all concisely visualize (and sonically hear) every aspect of his album.

To start, we all were greeted by Rick Ross and given a brief acknowledgement of gratitude for being in attendance to listen to his project. He gave the city of Atlanta and its industry experts major props, which was only right given the fact that he recently purchased Evander Holyfield’s sprawling estate and is now a local resident.

Within seconds, a video montage of photos (vintage to more recent) began to transition alongside each track off the album. The photos chosen were spot-on in that they helped all of us put each song into perspective.  There are 12-tracks on Mastermind, including two bonus tracks. The entire album is one for your CD player or iPod. It is definitely “riding” music that you can play non-stop without getting frustrated by wack tracks or corny interludes.

But, based on the tracklist and my listening ear, below are my thoughts on a few stand-outs:

Track 1: Intro

Track 2: Rich Is Gangasta

Track 3: Drug Dealers Dream – takes you back to the 1980s/90’s drug wars; lyrically making us aware of the luxuries (and pitfalls) of being in the game.

Track 4: Shots Fired

Track 5: Nobody – the song pays homage to the late Notorious B.I.G., which many says Ross personifies in his swag and effortlessly rap style. The production goes as far as to sample B.I.G’s original recording and words “You’re nobody until somebody kills you”. This was definitely one that many fans will gravitate to.

Track 6: The Devil Is A Lie feat. Jay Z

Track 7: Mafia Music III feat. Sizzla & Mavado – Ross’s Miami roots, I’m sure, paid a part in his decision to record this joint. Sizzla and Mavado both do their part for that Jamican/Caribbean authenticity. I loved it. But, many people aren’t fans of reggae music. So, this may only be on the tracklist for diversity purposes.

Track 8: War Ready feat. Jeezy – We all know Jeezy murked this track. #Facts

Track 9: What A Shame

Track 10: Supreme

Track 11: Blk & Wht – This will be one of those joints that the D-Boys will gravitate to, for sure.

Track 12: Dope Bitch Skit – My initial thought about the skit was that it would have been funnier – or more impactful – if it wasn’t so long. It took up too much time for no reason at all.

Track 13:  In Vein feat. The Weeknd – Decent song for the ladies.

Track 14: Sanctified feat. Kanye West & Big Sean– Kanye West went IN on this track! The production is absolutely crazy. Big Sean added a little extra flavor to it as well.

Track 15: Walkin On Air feat. Meek Mill

Track 16: Thug Cry feat. Lil Wayne

Bonus Tracks: The room did not get to hear the bonus tracks. Bummer… 🙁 

Track 17: Blessing In Disguise feat. Scarface & Z-Ro

Track 18: Paradise Lost

Track 19: You Know I Got It (Reprise)

INITIAL THOUGHTS…

My concern with the album is its ability to produce radio singles. I didn’t hear any except “Devil Is A Lie”, which has hit radio already. The only other joint that has any “single” potential is the Kanye West joint, “Sanctified”. But that’s only because of Kanye’s crossover status and Big Sean’s commercial-friendly voice. However, who knows. We’ve seen wilder things happen in music.

The other issue with Mastermind is Ross’s lyrical content. Of course, it’s a great business move to shout out your Wing Stop favorites (lemon-pepper wings) and alcohol brand. But, we heard it way too many times in the same context. Maybe if Ross figured out another catchy way to plug his brands, then it won’t seem over-done.

Lastly, he’s built this persona around himself as a BOSS – acknowledging the drug game, the “rich ni**a lifestyle, etc. However, it’s his sixth album and the perfect time to start talking about other things – more meaningful topics. Ross is a veteran at this point. It’s time to mature up – not only through his ability to produce a solid album – but mature through discussion topics as well. Although, he  does deserve credit for telling the kids to “get an education” at the end of track 11, “Blk & Wht”. I appreciate Ross for that.

Mastermind drops March 4.