No one expected 2011 to turn out the way it did. Rick Ross experienced a breakthrough year in 2010, but many felt it was highly unlikely that he would have the impact he wound up having, without releasing an album. Not only did Rick Ross have a dominant year, he was involved with nearly every artist in the game. But, the big breakthrough of 2011 came from his own Maybach Music label in the form of Philadelphia representative, Meek Mill.
Outside of the mixtape scene, Meek Mill was relatively unknown. Many could not figure out if his name was ‘Mill’ or ‘Millz.’ Some remembered the name, as Meek Mill was originally signed to T.I.’s record label, Grand Hustle. However, before the end of 2011, everyone who followed hip hop knew who Meek Mill was. Without releasing an album, Meek Mill established himself as one of the most-popular rappers in the game.
New York City received a much-needed boost with French Montana, as his popularity swelled during the late summer of 2011. French Montana capped the impressive run by signing with Bad Boy Records, the popular New York-based record label run by Diddy. Now signed to both Bad Boy and Interscope Records, French Montana is a major artist, preparing for the release of his Excuse My French debut. Without the help of any major label, French Montana managed to make himself into a big name, now he has a label behind him.
Under the guidance of Maybach Music/Warner Bros., Meek Mill was able to dominate the game with a mixtape. French Montana has had ample media attention already and is now working with the machines which turned both The Notorious B.I.G. and 50 Cent into powerhouses. By himself he was able to gain the attention of the industry. With the labels by his side and his buzz high, will French Montana have a run of success similar to that of Meek Mill last year.
