Mastermind

Mastermind is the sixth studio album by American rapper Rick Ross, released on March 3, 2014, by Maybach Music Group, Slip-n-Slide Records, and Def Jam Recordings (after pushing the album back from its original December 17, 2013, release date).



Precisely, that's the standard edition cover. Here's what the deluxe edition cover looks like:



Personally, I copped the deluxe edition. And, that's what I'm about to review in a few.



The artwork is impeccable. Take portrait, and add in a little bit of abstract, it's just so new-fashioned.



Also, the deluxe edition contains 3 bonus tracks, in addition to the standard 16 tracks, bringing the grand total to 19.



1. "Intro"



The album starts off with the trademark: 'What is this?...Maybach Music...I like this Maybach Music...Sswweett...a cute cachinnation...a couple distortions...then there's a relaxed, plainspoken flow churning out something you need to know about the Mastermind: 'In order to understand the overall concept......to achieve success in all that you do; you must know that you can borrow other people's knowledge, achievements, life experiences, and even their personal resources, in order to execute your own life goals. By adapting this one idea, you can achieve more in a short time, than you could in a lifetime otherwise'....the tone veers from malicious to nostalgic and introspective. Here's my favorite part: 'We all know that you cannot get something for nothing; there is a price tag to everything even your own success.' Couldn't agree more. This is the Intro of Intros.

2. "Rich Is Gangsta"



My second best track on the album. This wicked Jake One production features live instrumentation: boom-bap drums, lush keyboards, smooth saxophones, velvety violins, petals immaculate...no flaws. Pure orchestral music. Ross was swaggering all over, addressing the pricelessness of a loyal friend, giving a Cartier to Wale, and giving Meek Mill a Range Rover. The Boss also took the time to reignite his feud with 50 Cent.

3. "Drug Dealers Dream"



Not too far from fantastic. Mostly shout outs and a short story about a rich nigga who went to jail and put Wi-Fi in his cell so he could Skype in the middle of the night. Can't forget the banging beat though.

4. "Shots Fired"



Just a short spliced documentary on the shooting/car crash incident Ross was involved in, not too long ago.

5. "Nobody" (featuring French Montana and Diddy)



A radical remake of the classic "You're Nobody (Til Somebody Kills You)" by The Notorious B.I.G. – may he rest in peace.



6. "The Devil Is a Lie" (featuring Jay-Z)



This was the first official single to support the album. It's always a problem whenever these two link up. Apparently, because of their typical blasphemous banter. Jigga murdered Ricky on this one – again. But, with lukewarm lines like 'Black Jesus turned water to wine, and all I had to do was turn the stove up', I just had to focus on the rumbly, deep-gloss beat.

7. "Mafia Music III" (featuring Sizzla and Mavado)



A boatload of seemingly irrelevant information: from silk underwear, to Kanye's concerts, to Kim Kardashian's Instagrams, it simply got more absurd with each new addendum. He went on to address the two attempts on his life. Rozay drew differences between his MMG artistes, labeling Wale a genius, and tagging Meek Mill a superstar. He also announced his new crib in Phoenix with a 10-car garage. His braggadocio hides the fact that he feels personally inadequate as he honestly reveals how his main bitch complains about his premature ejaculation and calls him a fat cry baby everytime she fucks him. I lol'd hard! For the record, the beat is just a recycle of Jay-Z's "Blueprint (Momma Loves Me)".



8. "War Ready" (featuring Jeezy)



The album's second official single. I can characterize the content as venomous because that's exactly what it is. Looking at the track listing, I was glad that Jeezy and Ross had finally put their differences aside and work together in an intellectual endeavor. But, halfway through the track, it starts looking like they're taking subliminal shots at each other. Jeezy starts the second verse by saying that 'a coward dies a thousand deaths; a real nigga dies but one'. Ross then raps (in the third verse), 'I can die a thousand times, but never die a fuck nigga'. By the way, the beat is off-the-chain! It's three thumbs up to Mike WiLL Made It. Or four...four fat ones...thumbs.

9. "What a Shame" (featuring French Montana)



Love this track. My third best on the album. Surprisingly, French carried the vibe pretty well. I erroneously thought he'd screw it up. Sadly, the track is shockingly short. It finishes as soon as it starts. What a shame!

10. "Supreme"



This is a Scott Storch production. You sure know what to expect.

11. "BLK & WHT"



'A nigga black but he selling white...' Lol, catchy chorus. Features a mellow production. Basically, a rags-to-riches narrative by Rick Ross. The Trayvon Martin reference was way off if you ask me.

12. "Dope Bitch" (Skit)



Nothing really dope about this bitch. Just a materialistic groupie ho rambling about her craze for designer shit, basic bitches making her nervous, how a boss should impress her, having her weave washed with Belaire Rosé champagne, blah, blah, blah.



In case it's unclear, Rick Ross made millions in Belaire Rosé endorsements.



13. "In Vein" (featuring The Weeknd)



I'll give this one to The Weeknd. He actually produced this track; so it's no excuse that the production complements the dark, nostalgic themes of his lyrics. Regarding Ross, it was wonderful hearing him rap fast for once.

14. "Sanctified" (featuring Kanye West and Big Sean)



A triple threat banger. Features gospel and neo soul influences. Has boom bap and classical elements in its production, including classical piano, orchestral strings and funky drums. Yeezy's production lean[s] toward opulent and epic.

15. "Walkin' on Air" (featuring Meek Mill)



This joint has an underground vibe and keyboards similar to Ross' 2012 song "So Sophisticated".



16. "Thug Cry" (featuring Lil Wayne)



Has flickering production with R&B elements. Its lyrics extol both Weezy and Ross' rapping prowess.

Deluxe edition bonus tracks

17. "Blessing in Disguise" (featuring Scarface and Z-Ro)



My number one song on this album. Hands down! Scarface killed it! Totally! Scarface is like a high-end caterer whose dishes feature an array of over-the-top garnishments. Classic...a complete classic...matter of fact, it is infinitely classier than that term. The instrumentation mixes soul and jazz elements.

18. "Paradise Lost"



Two words: raw, funky.

19. "You Know I Got It (Reprise)"



This is just a musical repetition of Jay-Z's "FuckWithMeYouKnowIGotIt", without Jay-Z himself.



Conclusively, Mastermind is an authentic album; a must-have for thoroughbred hip hop heads – and all who love solid music. I'll give the album four out of five stars.