Rick Ross and “big” are synonymous, both in physique and in product. Everything is usually on a grand scale with Ricky Rozay, from subject matter to beats and features, and “Mastermind” is no exception. Collaborations from A–list acts like Jay–Z and Kanye West, as well as upstarts like The Weeknd and DJ Mustard, remind us just how much clout Ross has in the rap game. While in the past he's tended to let his guests take over on his projects, he delivers on his own here on tracks like “BLK & WHT” and “Paradise Lost”. There are still a few missteps, like the unnecessarily long “Dope Bitch” skit and the forced Meek Mill feature, but this is overall a bawse–quality product and it covers nearly all the bases on the hip–hop spectrum.
Grade: B+
Download: “Sanctified”
Sounds best when: Cramming for your accounting midterm while dreaming about your future payday
