Maybach Music Group Presents: Self Made, Vol. 1

By the sound of this showcase for three rappers he signed to his record label, he's a good one [mogul]. Meek Mill offers gruff gangsta-isms; Wale flaunts his sleek bohemian-hardcore style on bragfests like "600 Benz." But the real find is Pill, who steps up to the major leagues without taking the street-level grit out of crack-trade tales like "Pacman."

Ross is better when he's more ambitious, when he goes beyond the tired hood-rap/pop-rap divisions.

The headliners don't seem like they're really trying, so even when the other acts are, they're still smothered by their leaders' apathy.

With so many personalities vying for attention, the artists struggle to display their own individuality, instead constantly relishing in their new spoils.

If Wale, Meek, and Pill could find a way to focus on their own strengths, maybe they'd sound more comfortable alongside their new boss. Instead, they all sound like they're trying to become mini-Rosses, and it doesn't work for them.