[EXCLUSIVE] Rick Ross Talks Launch of ‘Artist First’ & MMG Talent Search

On Monday, February 16, Rick Ross and music business entrepreneur Dina Marto united to announce the formation of ARTIST FIRST. Media outlets and key influencers gathered at Marto’s Twelve Studios and were the first to be introduced to this new platform.

Through ARTIST FIRST, Ross and Mato will search for and develop a collective of new writers and producers.  Participants will work in-house at Twelve Studios, which is also a new home for Maybach Music Group (MMG). The Florida-based music label has decided to expand their imprint to the Atlanta area.

This is the new home for Maybach Music,” reveals Marto. “Their artists will be recording here. Executives will have offices here, so they can get work done while they’re in the city of Atlanta.

Under the new platform, ARTIST FIRST will also launch a talent search for the next MMG artist.

Ross is excited about the future of MMG and ARTIST FIRST. In a brief interview with STACKS Magazine, Ross talked more about how the platform will create a different writer/artist dynamic. As up-and-coming writers and producers utilize the internet to get the attention of big artists, Ross believes that this “personal” atmosphere will make their interaction unique.

It’s the personal relationships that make it really count. It’s a platform. Not just myself, but a slew of artists. I think that’s what’s going to be dope, is that other artists are involved with this. It’s sharing things with each other. I think that’s what’s going to make it [Artist First] special.

As for the songwriters and producers that will be selected for ARTIST FIRST, Ross says that he’s in search of diversity and will be scouring the U.S. to find those talented individuals.

As far as what I’m looking for, if you got that vibe, I’m going for it. But what make this dope is that it’s not just about my taste. It’s about so many other people that’s involved taste. If you just wanted to bring something to the game or you know somebody that’s giving you what you want, then let’s introduce them.

The doors are wide open and that’s what make it beautiful. I know what I’m the best at, see. But there are some of the other homies that’s on the team that has the eye for other things. I’m going to trust mine, but it’s going to be dope because it’s all about writers.

In addition to the ARTIST FIRST announcement, former Island Def Jam executive Dina Marto received a Proclamation from the City of Atlanta. Councilman Kwanza Hall presented Marto with the official proclamation for her outstanding contributions to the City of Atlanta. Marto was named Atlanta Business Chronicle’s “40 Under 40” list in 2011. Twelve Studios has garnered a reputation as being one of the music industry’s top recording studios, which has spit out smash hits like Nicki Minaj’s “Anaconda” and Miley Cyrus’ “We Can’t Stop.”

Follow @artistfirstmusic @richforever @missmarto on social media!