Summary:The sixth solo studio release for the rapper features guest appearances from such artists as Big Sean, French Montana, Jay-Z, Lil Wayne, Meek Mill, Scarface, The Weeknd, and Kanye West.
The album is a bit more raw than previous, so expect more fan favorites than hit singles. Otherwise, this is business as usual, and business is absolutely gangbusters.
Mastermind is a powerful album, an album with an identity, and one that has some solid songs and a handful of hits. Ross delivers just what he promised.
The album might not be nearly good enough to launch him into any "classic" conversation, but it also not nearly bad enough to be viewed as a sign of his impending demise.
When push comes to shove, there are only about three songs here that merit that kind of mindshare--and none of those come close to his best singles. By his standards, Mastermind is technically a good album, but neither timely nor memorable.
Amazing production, great flow, good imagery. Very smooth. Just a great hip-hop record. It seems he has learned from his previous album, "GodAmazing production, great flow, good imagery. Very smooth. Just a great hip-hop record. It seems he has learned from his previous album, "God Forgives, I Don't" and stuck what he is best at. Mafioso storytelling over grandiose production.…Expand
this is truly an incredible album. Rick Ross has finally learnt to successfully gives up on trying to satisfy done-to-death tropes and simplythis is truly an incredible album. Rick Ross has finally learnt to successfully gives up on trying to satisfy done-to-death tropes and simply focuses on his strengths.…Expand
This is probably Rick Ross' best work ever. For starters, the production on this is impeccable. The beats range from the mysterious andThis is probably Rick Ross' best work ever. For starters, the production on this is impeccable. The beats range from the mysterious and haunting (BLK & WHT) to the ostentatious and extravagant (Supreme). This album is a true delight just to listen to, but the parts that really stand our are the moments where the album displays its most ridiculousness. Take for example the little skit that starts off "Drug Dealers Dream." Its such a simple thing really, an automated teller providing the balance in a bank account, and then when you hear the final number it hits you. The thing is though, you feel a sense of uneasiness when you hear that number. Its ALOT of money, and its sitting in a single checking account and based off the title of the song "Drug Dealers Dream" is likely illegally obtained. It just perfectly sets the tone for one of the best songs on the album. Every single feature on this album also comes with their A-Game. Jay Z delivers probably his best verse since 2011's Watch the Throne, Young Jeezy, Lil Wayne, Kanye West, Meek Mill, all these artists really kill their features, and every feature sounds like it has a purpose. One of my favorite tracks is Mafia Music III, a cut that was apparently meant for Dr. Dre's Detox, but was saved for Mastermind, the gun shots and insane beat really conjure up images of a drug lord roaming the Bahamas, Cuba, Jamaica, Haiti, etc. just cruising in a large boat moving his product, dealing with his enemies.
People will hate on Rick Ross because he is "fake," and was a CO apparently. But I really think they are hypocrites. Just because he was a CO doesn't mean he didn't take part in some of this life style, and even if he didn't take part in this lifestyle, its not as if tons of other rap artists haven't lied on their records in the past. I sincerely hope no one took Eminem seriously when he rapped on Relapse about being a psychopath murderer, No one asks Drake to prove that he has killed someone everytime he says "catch a body." I mean who really cares if a rapper wants to take on a persona?…Expand
A pretty nice album from The Boss his sixth album is a triumph just like his previous five. Ross always has a great ear for production and heA pretty nice album from The Boss his sixth album is a triumph just like his previous five. Ross always has a great ear for production and he does not disappoint on this album. His rhymes is the same but the way he delivers the rhymes is what always makes everybody listens and enjoy his music. I personally believe the best tracks are Rich is Gangsta, Drug Dealer's Dream, Nobody, Supreme, Blk & Wht, In Vein, Sanctified, and Thug Cry. The album has the same features most of his recent projects have had such as Meek Mill, Lil Wayne, and French Montana. I am a little disappointed that No Games did not make the final tracklisting but all in all this is another hit album for The Biggest Boss in the Game.…Expand
Mastermind is Rick Ross' best album so far, the production is on point and the same goes for the features. The album has a certain 90's feelMastermind is Rick Ross' best album so far, the production is on point and the same goes for the features. The album has a certain 90's feel to it and Ross seems to have focused on making a cohesive album filled with solid songs than just hits. This doesn't mean the album has a lot substance, it doesn't, however Rick Ross' voice and flow is heavy and distinctive on every track which helps the listener to just listen to the production without focusing heavily on the lyrics. The stand-out tracks on the album are Drug Dealer's Dream, Paradise Lost, Nobody, Mafia Music III and Blessing in Disguise. The album is enjoyable but the subject matter for the most part is recycled from Ross' other projects, the stellar production is what makes the project above average.…Expand
I like the collabos RR has done for this album (except with Diddy-stay behind the boards ni**a), although generally i am not a RR fan. TheI like the collabos RR has done for this album (except with Diddy-stay behind the boards ni**a), although generally i am not a RR fan. The production is nice and fits RR's general style. Although he isn't saying anything new, lyrically i think this is his best work-which isn't saying THAT much. This was definetly produced to have more than a few singles hit the charts/clubs.…Expand
This is one of the worst Rap albums I have ever heard. Take a close listen, and you will agree. The production is lazy. The rap is boringThis is one of the worst Rap albums I have ever heard. Take a close listen, and you will agree. The production is lazy. The rap is boring (flow and lyrics). I thought we were entering another Golden Age of rap, I was wrong.…Expand
