Wiz Khalifa's Record Deal Rejection Fueled MMG, Says Rick Ross

Maybach Music Group head Rick Ross has opened up about Wiz Khalifa turning down an opportunity to link with him last summer and how the rejection encouraged him to continue building his empire.

According to the Boss, Khalifa choosing Atlantic Records over Maybach Music Group inspired him to eventually ink newcomers Wale, Pill and Meek Mill to his label.

"I put the proposition out there. But at the time, Maybach Music wasn't really where we were supposed to be, which was a lot of motivation," Ross explained in an interview. "The homey made a great decision, going to Atlantic Records. He's released a classic album, and I wish him much success. But it also inspired me and it also reassured me that I had a certain eye. I remember when I put Wiz on the 'Super High' remix, a lot of people was like, 'Why would you put a rookie on your record?'" (MTV)

Last August, Wiz reflected on his decision to pass on Ross' record deal.

Though the convo Khalifa describes as cool and chill concluded with a respectful decline, the Pittsburgh native admits that even if his deal with Atlantic were nonexistent, he still would've passed on Ross' offer. "I would've kept doing what I was doing till I found something huge [outside of Maybach Music]. I'm all about standing behind my own brand instead of putting myself up under somebody else's," he explains. "[Success] might take a little bit longer and take more work, but in the end it pays off because I can stand right up there with my peers and have respect." (VIBE)

Prior to Wiz's Atlantic Records announcement, Ross publicly offered the rapper an opportunity to join forces.

"You know, Wiz, what's happening, this is the Boss, Ricky Ross, Teflon Don," the rapper said in an interview. "You know we spoke of this in the last week or two, but my question is even more personal that I'd love to ask you right now. What would it take for us to close the deal, Wiz Khalifa and Maybach Music? I feel like the homie is a superstar. We discussed this last week. He's most definitely loyal to his team. But like I told him, there's always more to get." (RapFix)

Based on one-day estimates, Ross' Maybach Music Group compilation Self Made is currently projected to debut on the sales chart next week.

Columbia's Glee Cast Volume 6 will debut with between 80-85k, while Maybach/ Warner Bros.' Maybach Music Group Presents: Self Made, Vol. 1, the Rick Ross-founded label previously with Def Jam, will do in the 50-55k range. (HITS Daily Double)