(AllHipHop News) After weeks of speculation, Maybach Music Group (MMG) head Rick Ross announced today (May 2) that he has signed former B2K singer and actor, Omarion, to his growing label roster.
The announcement of the Omarion addition was made at an invitation-only press conference at New York City’s Eventi Hotel. Label representatives, press, and industry tastemakers were on-hand to welcome the new artist to the roster that includes Rick Ross, Meek Mill, Wale, Masspike Miles, Teedra Moses, and others. MMG is distributed through Warner Bros. Records.
Lyor Cohen, North American Chairman and CEO for Warner Music Group, spoke at the event about Rick Ross’ growing roster, saying, “He’s not satisfied. There’s no stopping him. The possibilities that Rick and Maybach Music bring is unprecedented.
“He reminded me, he’s got the biggest office in the world, and that’s the streets. I don’t know anybody that can stop this guy,” Cohen said of Rick Ross.
Rick Ross gave an impromptu press conference interview with Rap Radar’s Elliott Wilson, and producer Swizz Beatz spoke about his friendship with Ross and how he helped him get his deal with Reebok.
Omarion has been spotted with rapper Ma$e in the studio in recent weeks, prompting speculation that the two were working on new material and possibly new deals. Ma$e recently appeared on Wale’s “Slight Work” remix with Diddy and French Montana, fueling talk that he would make a return to music, perhaps under MMG.
Rumors also swirled that Ma$e would serve as an A&R representative for French Montana, whose official signing to both MMG and Bad Boy was announced to laughter at today’s press conference.
Omarion, a solo artist since the breakup of B2K nearly a decade ago, has worked as a singer, actor, and dancer since childhood. MMG’s newly proclaimed “Maybach O”, was signed briefly with Lil Wayne’s Young Money in 2009 but left reportedly due to business concerns. Most recently, he released his DJ Drama-hosted The Awakening mixtape in May 2011.
Rick Ross also announced that MMG’s Self Made Vol. 2 will be released June 26.
“This one is much better than the first,” said Rick Ross of the album. “This is more of a body of work,” chimed in MMG artist, Wale.
In addition to the MMG compilation, in August, Meek Mill’s Dreams and Nightmares will be released, and his Dream Chasers 2 mixtape is due on May 7. Rick Ross’ God Forgives I Don’t will debut on July 31.
“Ross was and is a pioneer,” said Bad Boy Records label owner, Diddy, who reminded the crowd that the MMG head had made mixtapes more disposable. “He’s a genius to me, and he’s my brother.”
About squelching the many rumors that he was announcing the signing of Ma$e or Shawnna, Rick Ross said, “I just let the rumors circulate.”