The of ’s 2014 album, Mastermind , is defined by its star-studded guest list and gritty, soulful production. Released on March 3, 2014, the deluxe edition expanded the standard 16-track LP with three additional songs that critics noted as some of the project's strongest material. Deluxe Edition Features & Tracks
– A hard-hitting, sample-heavy opener produced by Black Metaphor.
The album’s greatest strength is its lush, expensive-sounding production. Producers like , Scott Storch , and the J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League provide a backdrop that critics from Lubbock Online described as "superb" and "expansively gorgeous". Review: Rick Ross – ‘Mastermind’ rick ross mastermind deluxe version 2014a top
If you ever get the chance to hear "Sanctified" through a proper subwoofer on this pressing, you will understand. The 808s don't just shake the room—they tell a story. This isn't just the top of the Mastermind album; this is the top of the Maybach Mountain.
The deluxe edition is essential because it rounds out the narrative with tracks that provide much-needed texture. While the standard version hits hard with singles like "The Devil Is a Lie," the additional tracks on the deluxe version—"Blessing in Disguise," "Thug Cry," and "Everyday We Hustlin"—bridge the gap between the untouchable drug lord persona and the reflective man behind the beard. "Thug Cry," featuring Lil Wayne, stands out as a soulful masterpiece, utilizing a haunting 1970s soul sample that perfectly captures the "Mafioso" aesthetic Ross spent a decade perfecting. Deluxe Version The of ’s 2014 album, Mastermind
The deluxe version of "Mastermind" is a well-crafted hip-hop album that showcases Rick Ross's storytelling ability and lyrical prowess. With its impressive production and notable guest features, it's a must-listen for fans of hip-hop and Rick Ross.
Sonically, Mastermind is a masterclass in lush, sample-driven opulence. The production team reads like a who’s-who of early 2010s hitmakers: (handling five tracks), Mike WiLL Made-It , Kanye West , The Weeknd (yes, co-producing a track), Scott Storch , and DJ Toomp . The result is a cohesive mood—dark, cinematic, and expensively noir. Kanye West The album’s greatest strength is its
The album opened with the "Intro," a haunting montage of news clips and orchestral swells that set the stage for "Rich Is Gangsta." When the beat dropped, it wasn't just bass; it was a statement of intent.