Rick Ross’ Classic ‘Mastermind’ Gets 5th Anniversary Vinyl Edition
Boasting appearances by JAY-Z, The Weeknd, Diddy, and more, Ross’ sixth album was a commercial and critical juggernaut.
Rick Ross’ chart-topping album for Def Jam Mastermind celebrates its 5th anniversary with an expanded 2LP reissue and limited-edition pink vinyl. The deluxe edition also includes cover art by renowned street artist Mr Brainwash.
Boasting appearances by JAY-Z, The Weeknd, Lil Wayne, and more, Ross’ sixth album was a commercial and critical juggernaut, debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and snagging a nomination for Album of the Year at the 2014 BET Hip-Hop Awards.
Originally released on 3 March 2014, the album climbed the charts off the back of a string of hit singles including ‘The Devil Is a Lie’, ‘War Ready’ and ‘Thug Cry’. Since first establishing his cocky flow, Ross hasn’t strayed too far from his kingpin image.
“It’s all about coming from wherever you come from and [taking] it wherever you want to go to,” Ross told Hot 97 after the album’s release. “The minute you do that that’s when you can consider yourself a mastermind.”
Mastermind sees the Teflon Don at the top of his game. Case in point, the excellent ‘Sanctified’, which features a stellar Betty Wright sample. While the album sees Ross more deliberately seek out artistic recognition, he never takes himself too seriously, maintaining his Miami Beach Don Juan image and bringing us along for the ride.
Rick Ross’ Mastermind can be bought here.
Mastermind
A1. Intro
A2. Rich Is Gangsta
A3. Drug Dealers Dream
A4. Shots Fired
A5. Nobody
A6. The Devil Is A Lie
B1. Mafia Music III
B2. War Ready
B3. What A Shame
B4. Supreme
C1. BLK & WHT
C2. Dope Bitch Skit
C3. In Vein
C4. Sanctified
C5. Walkin’ On Air
D1. Thug Cry
D2. Blessing In Disguise
D3. Paradise Lost
D4. You Know I Got It (Reprise)