(THROWBACK) MMG – Self Made Vol. 2 (Album Review)

Rick Ross’ talented collective shines in “Self Made, Vol. 2.”

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TOP 5

5. Power Circle (Ft. Rick Ross, Kendrick Lamar, Wale, Gunplay & Stalley)

Why would you start this album with Gunplay if you want interested listeners?

Technically, Rick Ross starts this track off, but his verse sounds more like an opening than some s**t to be taken seriously. All you need to know is that he mentions Michael Jackson wanting people to smoke for him—something Mike would never say.

In all seriousness, Gunplay’s verse isn’t awful. He delivers some good punchy bars and flows pretty well. But still, I’m not starting the project off with him.

I mess with Stalley’s verse in this song. It’s gutter, motivational, and relatable. I also rock with the action-packed, relentless rap style he utilizes.

I feel like Wale’s rap style is a perfect fit for this track. He starts off with a bit of singing, then gradually ramps up the intensity, delivering raps with a high-octane flow that injects a unique energy into the song.

Meek Mill initially gets a stripped-down version of the triumphant beat. Over it, he talks about getting money, powering up, and overcoming the streets. I like what he did in the song.

Sometimes, when Kendrick Lamar raps, he reminds me of that one Avril Lavigne song: Why you gotta be so complicated!!?? His verse here isn’t simple at all. However, you’ll appreciate his tongue-twisting, consistent flow and thought-provoking lyrics.

4. Fluorescent Ink (Ft. Rick Ross, Stalley & Wale)

Quit ignoring this track!

My favorite beat on the album is definitely on “Fluorescent Ink.” It has this great tempo, some piano notes that hit home, and an urgent vibe that I can’t get enough of. Wale’s chorus is sneaky-good, and he drops a verse that feels extra motivated. But what I love most is how Stalley effortlessly slides through, delivering bars about counting money and charming women like it’s second nature. Honestly, this track doesn’t get the recognition it deserves.

3. Bury Me A G (Ft. T.I.)

Who says “bury me a G” anymore?

“Bury Me A G” might be the hardest track I’ve heard this decade. The beat alone sounds like something you’d hear blasting during military drills. But it’s not just the beat that goes hard. Rick Ross delivers a ferocious chorus and verse where he talks about being ready to die and taking some of his enemies with him straight to hell. Then there’s T.I., who drops a menacing verse that feels like a warning to his enemies. Both of those negroes sound like they have rabies.

2. M.I.A. (Ft. Wale & Omarion)

Wale and Omarion are the tandem I didn’t know we needed.

Omarion and Wale make a perfect duo because they both come across as surgical when it comes to love. In “M.I.A.,” they truly showcase this dynamic. The track rides on an uptempo, glimmering R&B-hop beat, and together, they dive into themes of moving on from their exes and embracing a demonic side. Omarion’s laid-back and effortless delivery on the chorus elevates the vibe, while Wale steps in with his smooth, confident flow, playing the role of the ultimate player with an edge that would make any ex roll their eyes in frustration.

1. This Things Of Ours (Ft. Rick Ross, Omarion, Wale & Nas)

I love this song’s beat! The 1985 Casio toy piano sound gives it a classic vibe that I f**k with.

This is one of the few tracks on the album that features a Rick Ross verse, and the good news is this: We get vintage Ross here. He delivers his lines with solid aggression, drops some boss-level bars, and flows effortlessly.

Omarion’s vocals in this track are infectious as hell, but at the same time, they may need a little more bass.

Wale keeps up with the juggernauts, incorporating a unique flow into the equation. He also displays great confidence and bigs up his collective in a dope way. I’m impressed.

Nas closes out this track with style. Not only does he toy with an unorthodox flow, but he also talks about being a don and living life in a grandiose manner. I think his verse encapsulates the track.

SONG-BY-SONG RATING

1. Power Circle (Ft. Rick Ross, Gunplay, Stalley, Wale, Meek Mill & Kendrick Lamar) (4/5)

2. Black Magic (Ft. Rick Ross & Meek Mill) (4/5)

3. This Thing of Ours (Ft. Rick Ross, Omarion, Wale & Nas) (4.5/5)

4. All Birds (Ft. Rick Ross & French Montana) (4/5)

5. Actin’ Up (Ft. French Montana, Wale, and Meek Mill) (3.5/5)

6. Fountain of Youth (Ft. Rick Ross, Stalley & Nipsey Hussle) (3.5/5)

7. I Be Puttin’ On (Ft. Wale, French Montana, Roscoe Dash & Wiz Khalifa) (4/5)

8. The Zenith (Ft. Rick Ross, Omarion, Wale & Stalley) (4/5)

9. M.I.A. (Ft. Omarion & Wale) (4.5/5)

10. Bag of Money (Ft. Rick Ross, Meek Mill, T-Pain & Wale) (4/5)

11. Let’s Talk (Ft. Rick Ross & Omarion) (3/5)

12. Black on Black (Ft. Ace Hood & Bun B) (3/5)

13. Fluorescent Ink (Ft. Rick Ross, Stalley & Wale) (4.5/5)

14. Bury Me A G (Ft. T.I.) (4.5/5)

RGM RATING

(B-) (82%)

Rick Ross’ MMG crew, especially this iteration, deserves to be remembered as one of the best hip-hop collectives ever, despite their limited time together. On Self Made, Vol. 2, every member, whether at their peak or rising fast, shined. Wale, in particular, stood out as the MVP, delivering verses that hit home and adapting to all kinds of beats. But you can’t sleep on Stalley’s thought-provoking verses, Meek Mill’s explosive energy, or Omarion’s smooth chorus work. The album also featured some great verses from outsiders like Kendrick Lamar, French Montana, Nas, and T.I., adding variety to the project. Strangely enough, Rick Ross, the leader, seemed to take a backseat, offering more setup verses than standout moments. Regardless, the chemistry of the group and the overall quality of the album showcased just how strong MMG was at that time.

One thing I really appreciated about this album was the production. While there were some outliers, like the beats on “M.I.A.” and “Actin Up,” most of the project featured Rick Ross-inspired instrumentals. At the time, everyone knew Ross was securing some of the best beats in the game, so it was cool to hear other artists put their spin on them.

This is a very entertaining album.

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