Mastermind
by Rick Ross
  • Record Label: Def Jam
  • Release Date: Mar 4, 2014
Metascore
68

Generally favorable reviews - based on 23 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 23
  3. Negative: 1 out of 23
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  1. Q Magazine
    Apr 23, 2014
    60
    For a man who continues to spell his surname with two dollar signs, his act is lacking in real drama. [May 2014, p.121]
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  2. The Independent (UK)
    Mar 14, 2014
    60
    His bland cocaine narratives lack the compelling authenticity of Nas’s.
  3. HipHopDX
    Mar 4, 2014
    60
    Mastermind simply lacks flair.
  5. Pitchfork
    Mar 6, 2014
    58
    The moments where Mastermind gives us William Roberts the man instead of Rick Ross the gangster flick composite character with the borrowed name are scarce, and he remains committed to dialing in good life platitudes that increasingly ring hollow.
  6. Pretty Much Amazing
    Mar 17, 2014
    50
    Mastermind passes by as a single, indistinguishable blur. To the credit of Ross and his many co-producers, the experience is rarely leaden and often engaging.
  7. Consequence
    Mar 7, 2014
    50
    If the 62-minute Mastermind is bloated, it’s a healthy, controlled bloat.
  8. Boston Globe
    Mar 4, 2014
    50
    This overlong record feels labored and bereft of new ideas.
  9. Spin
    Mar 4, 2014
    50
    This is Ross at his least cohesive and most clueless since his 2006 debut, Port of Miami.

Awards & Rankings

81
#81 Most Discussed Album of 2014

User Reviews

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User Score
6.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 75 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 51 out of 75
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 75
  3. Negative: 12 out of 75
  1. samir634
    Mar 4, 2014
    10
    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?    … Full Review »
  2. Bleat0124
    Mar 12, 2014
    0
    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.… Full Review »
  3. ILLmatic94
    Mar 5, 2014
    7
    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.… Full Review »
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