Ransom 2
Ransom 2 is the debut studio album by American hip hop record producer Mike WiLL Made-It, released on March 24, 2017, through Interscope Records and his own imprint EarDrummer Records.[1] It serves as the sequel to his 2014 mixtape Ransom and consists of 17 tracks, all produced primarily by Mike WiLL Made-It himself.[2] The album features a star-studded lineup of guest appearances from prominent artists across hip hop and R&B, including Kendrick Lamar, Future, Rihanna, Pharrell Williams, Lil Wayne, Big Sean, Young Thug, Lil Yachty, Gucci Mane, 2 Chainz, Migos, YG, and Rae Sremmurd, among others affiliated with his EarDrummer label.[2] Notable tracks include "Perfect Pint" featuring Rae Sremmurd, Gucci Mane, and Kendrick Lamar; "Razzle Dazzle" with Future; and "Faith" featuring Lil Wayne and HoodyBaby.[3] Lead singles "On the Come Up" with Big Sean and "Gucci On My" featuring 21 Savage and YG were released prior to the album's launch.[4] Ransom 2 debuted at number 24 on the US Billboard 200 chart.[5] Critically, the project was noted for showcasing Mike WiLL Made-It's signature production style, characterized by boggy, sloshing drums and trap-influenced beats, though some reviewers highlighted its reliance on high-profile features as a showcase of his industry connections rather than cohesive artistry.[3] The album solidified Mike WiLL Made-It's reputation as a key figure in 2010s hip hop production, building on his earlier hits like Beyoncé's "Formation" and Rae Sremmurd's "Black Beatles."[3]Background and development
Concept and inspiration
Ransom 2 serves as the debut studio album by American record producer Mike Will Made-It, functioning as a direct sequel to his 2014 mixtape Ransom and marking a deliberate evolution from a free mixtape format to a commercial full-length release. This shift allowed for a more expansive showcase of his production prowess and the talents signed to his EarDrummers imprint, transforming the project into a comprehensive statement of his influence in hip-hop and pop. Originally conceived as a mixtape, the album's development emphasized building upon the trap-centric sound established in the original Ransom, which featured raw, bass-heavy beats and collaborations with emerging Atlanta artists.[3] Mike Will Made-It's motivations for Ransom 2 were deeply rooted in his rising career trajectory, particularly after producing major hits such as Miley Cyrus's "We Can't Stop" in 2013 and Beyoncé's "Formation" in 2016, the latter of which contributed to a significant delay in the album's timeline. These successes elevated his status as a versatile hitmaker capable of bridging trap, pop, and R&B, inspiring him to use Ransom 2 as a platform to highlight EarDrummers signees like Rae Sremmurd, whom he discovered and mentored, alongside established collaborators. The project thus represented an opportunity to affirm his role not just as a producer but as a label executive fostering the next generation of hip-hop stars.[6][3] The album's announcement came in early January 2016 through social media platforms, where Mike Will Made-It shared cover art and studio updates on Twitter and Instagram, initially positioning it for a January 29 release as a mixtape hosted by Gucci Mane—though the latter's imprisonment altered those plans. Initial recording efforts began around 2014, shortly after the original Ransom's drop, allowing for a multi-year buildup that incorporated evolving trap elements amid his external commitments. During development, he teased features from high-profile artists such as Kendrick Lamar and Pharrell Williams via social media snippets and interviews, heightening anticipation and underscoring the project's star-driven ambition.[7][8][4]Recording and production
The recording and production of Ransom 2 took place over a three-year period from 2014 to 2017, following the release of the original Ransom mixtape, with the project facing several delays due to scheduling and creative refinements.[9] Sessions occurred across multiple locations, primarily at EarDrummer Studios in Atlanta, Mike Will Made It's home base and label headquarters, though additional work happened in Los Angeles and other sites to accommodate guest artists.[10][11] The album's 17 tracks showcase Mike Will Made It as the primary producer throughout, overseeing beat creation, arrangement, and overall sound with his signature trap-infused style, while co-productions were handled by affiliates like Pluss and Resource on select songs such as "Perfect Pint" and others.[3][12][13] Key collaborations defined the production process, including intensive sessions with Rae Sremmurd, labelmates under EarDrummers, who contributed vocals to tracks like "Perfect Pint" and brought their energetic, melodic approach to multiple cuts during Atlanta-based recording blocks.[12] Kendrick Lamar's introspective verse on "Perfect Pint," alongside Gucci Mane and Rae Sremmurd, was laid down during a session, highlighting the cross-coastal logistics required for high-profile features.[11][14] Similarly, Pharrell Williams provided vocals for "Aries (YuGo)," a track emphasizing futuristic synths and rhythmic interplay, recorded amid the album's later stages to incorporate his versatile expertise.[12][15] Coordinating over 20 artists across the project presented significant logistical challenges, requiring flexible scheduling and remote contributions to align verses and hooks without compromising the cohesive playlist-like flow Mike Will envisioned.[16] Notable among these were late-stage additions, such as Lil Wayne's dynamic performance on "I.Q.," which added raw energy and helped finalize the album's diverse roster just before completion.[12] This star-heavy approach, while ambitious, underscored Mike Will's role as a central hub for hip-hop talent, resulting in a compilation-style album that prioritized seamless integration over traditional solo artistry.Musical content
Style and production techniques
Ransom 2 exemplifies Mike Will Made-It's trap production style, rooted in Atlanta's Southern hip-hop scene and characterized by heavy 808 bass lines, rapid hi-hat patterns, and filtered melodic synths that create dense, immersive soundscapes. These elements evolve from the original Ransom mixtape, expanding trap's boundaries with spaced-out, atmospheric textures and layered percussion for a more dynamic feel. The production emphasizes hard-hitting drums designed for high-energy playback, often starting with open loops to accommodate artist freestyles and ad-libs. Key techniques include the strategic layering of ad-libs and vocal harmonies to enhance depth and energy, particularly in tracks featuring Rae Sremmurd, where multiple vocal layers build rhythmic complexity over minimal backdrops. Mike Will Made-It frequently employs eerie effects like throbbing drones and plinky piano loops to contrast the pounding bass, fostering a blend of grit and melody that highlights guest artists' deliveries. For instance, "Perfect Pint" integrates melodic piano arrangements with skull-rattling 808s, achieving a balanced yet monumental trap sound. Standout beats showcase introspective variations within the trap framework, such as "On the Come Up," which pairs a dramatic bass line with an operatic soprano sample for emotional weight. Similarly, "Hasselhoff" delivers one of the album's hardest, most aggressive drum patterns, underscoring Mike Will's ability to tailor intense production to playful collaborations. These approaches reflect influences from Atlanta's trap pioneers while incorporating pop-infused accessibility, as seen in his prior work on Miley Cyrus's "23," which popularized trap's crossover appeal.Lyrics and themes
The lyrics of Ransom 2 prominently feature braggadocio centered on the celebration of wealth and the relentless hustle of street life, particularly evident in tracks like "Gucci On My," where 21 Savage, YG, and Migos deliver verses boasting about luxury brands and rivalries, with lines such as "Gucci on my shirt, Gucci on my hoes, nigga" underscoring material success and dominance in the rap game.[17][18] This theme reflects the album's broader narrative of triumph over adversity through entrepreneurial drive, as the artists contrast their opulent lifestyles with past struggles.[9] A key element of personal reflection emerges in "On the Come Up," where Mike Will Made-It chronicles his evolution from a behind-the-scenes producer to a leading artist, complemented by Big Sean's motivational verses emphasizing perseverance, such as "On the come up, on the come up / Sun up, bunch a young niggas on the come up."[19][9] These lyrics serve as an inspirational core, highlighting themes of ambition and collective rise among emerging talents in Atlanta's hip-hop scene.[3] Party and indulgence motifs dominate in Rae Sremmurd's contributions, particularly on "Perfect Pint," where their energetic flows paired with Kendrick Lamar and Gucci Mane evoke escapism through substances and nightlife, with hooks like "Two styrofoam cups, a pint of some drank" portraying altered states as a form of euphoric release amid fame's pressures.[20][18] Similarly, "Burnin'" amplifies themes of dominance and success through high-energy delivery, with lyrics focused on overcoming opposition and achieving wealth as a reward for hustle.[3][21] The album's thematic diversity shines in introspective moments like "Aries (Part 2)," featuring Pharrell, which contrasts the prevailing aggressive trap anthems with contemplative verses exploring self-identity and human duality, as Pharrell's melodic input adds layers of vulnerability to the narrative of personal growth.[9][18] This track provides a nuanced counterpoint, blending motivational introspection with the project's dominant bravado.[12]Release and promotion
Singles
The lead single from Ransom 2, "Nothing Is Promised" featuring Rihanna, was released on June 3, 2016, nearly a year before the album's arrival.[22] The track, produced by Mike WiLL Made-It, debuted on digital platforms through Interscope Records and generated buzz as an early teaser for the project.[23] It peaked at number 75 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.[24] "On the Come Up" featuring Big Sean was released as a promotional single on March 17, 2017, serving as the album's opener and building hype ahead of the release.[4] Its official music video, directed by Dave Meyers, premiered on March 29, 2017.[25] The second single, "Gucci On My" featuring 21 Savage, YG, and Migos, followed on March 3, 2017, shortly before the album's release.[26] This trap-infused collaboration highlighted Mike WiLL Made-It's signature sound and served as a key promotional track, peaking at number 10 on the Billboard Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart, equivalent to number 110 overall.[27] Post-album promotion continued with "Perfect Pint" featuring Kendrick Lamar, Gucci Mane, and Rae Sremmurd, a standout track from the album that received its official music video on May 30, 2017.[28] Directed by Nabil Elderkin, the video amplified the song's party-themed visuals and extended the singles' role in sustaining momentum for Ransom 2 via Interscope.[29]Marketing and rollout
The marketing campaign for Ransom 2 began with teases in late 2016, building anticipation for Mike Will Made-It's debut studio album as a follow-up to his 2014 mixtape Ransom.[7] On March 16, 2017, the producer revealed the album's artwork and tracklist via Twitter, highlighting star-studded features including Rihanna, Kendrick Lamar, and Gucci Mane to generate immediate buzz.[4] Pre-orders became available the following day, March 17, allowing fans early access to the project set for release on March 24.[30] Rollout events included an exclusive listening party in Atlanta on March 20, 2017, at Red Martini, where attendees previewed tracks and interacted with Mike Will Made-It and label affiliates like Eearz.[31] Social media efforts centered on the hashtag #Ransom2, which Mike Will Made-It and collaborators used across Twitter and Instagram to share snippets, fan interactions, and countdown posts leading up to the release.[32] The album received prominent coverage in hip-hop publications, with XXL detailing the tracklist and features on March 16 and Complex premiering singles like "Perfect Pint" on March 23, amplifying its visibility among rap audiences.[33][34] As a key tie-in, Ransom 2 spotlighted artists from Mike Will Made-It's EarDrummer Records imprint, including Rae Sremmurd and Lil Yachty, positioning the album as a showcase for the label's roster alongside major guests.[35] Promotional merchandise drops, such as apparel and accessories branded with Ransom 2 imagery, were launched via the official EarDrummer website, while tour performances in 2017—like at SXSW on March 19—included live snippets of album cuts to engage audiences.[35][36] Following the March 24 release, efforts to sustain momentum included additional videos for standout tracks to extend the project's cultural footprint through visual content.Reception
Critical reviews
Ransom 2 received mixed to positive reviews from music critics, who generally praised Mike WiLL Made-It's production skills while noting inconsistencies in the guest features and overall cohesion.[3][37][38] On Metacritic, the album holds a score of 65 out of 100, based on four reviews, indicating "generally favorable" reception.[39] Pitchfork awarded the album a 6.9 out of 10, commending it as a showcase for the producer's versatile beats, including boggy drums and dynamic tracks that highlight artists like Future and Kendrick Lamar, but criticizing it as a potential "cash grab" with uneven features, such as forgettable verses from Lil Yachty on "Hasselhoff."[3] The Guardian gave Ransom 2 four out of five stars, describing it as a "mixtape masterclass" that captures the raw energy of trap music through Mike WiLL Made-It's signature sound of plinky pianos, throbbing drones, and lithe textures, while emphasizing strong artist chemistry in collaborations like "Perfect Pint" featuring Rae Sremmurd, Gucci Mane, and Kendrick Lamar.[37] Exclaim! rated the album 7 out of 10, highlighting the strong, piano-driven trap beats on "W Y O" featuring Young Thug as a standout, but pointing out filler tracks and a sense of repetition from the hour-long runtime filled with club-oriented records and 22 guest appearances across 17 songs.[38] Common themes across reviews included appreciation for Mike WiLL Made-It's beat-making prowess, which provides a consistent, immersive trap foundation, contrasted with critiques of the album's lack of cohesion due to the numerous high-profile features that sometimes result in mismatched or underwhelming performances.[3][37][38]Commercial performance
Ransom 2 was released on March 24, 2017, through Interscope Records and debuted at number 24 on the US Billboard 200, earning 16,000 album-equivalent units in its first week, including 3,000 in pure album sales.[40]Credits and legacy
Track listing
The standard edition of Ransom 2 features 17 tracks with a total runtime of 60:16. All tracks were produced primarily by Mike WiLL Made-It, with additional co-producers noted where applicable. There is no deluxe edition. Each track was written by Mike WiLL Made-It (Michael Williams II) along with the respective featured artists.[41][12][42]| No. | Title | Featuring | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "On the Come Up" | Big Sean | 3:55 |
| 2. | "W Y O (What You On)" | Young Thug | 4:22 |
| 3. | "Hasselhoff" | Lil Yachty | 2:10 |
| 4. | "Gucci on My" | 21 Savage, YG & Migos | 4:34 |
| 5. | "Oh Hi Hater (Hiatus)" | Fortune | 3:05 |
| 6. | "Perfect Pint" | Kendrick Lamar, Gucci Mane & Rae Sremmurd | 4:00 |
| 7. | "Razzle Dazzle" | Future | 3:36 |
| 8. | "Bars of Soap" | Swae Lee | 4:19 |
| 9. | "Burnin'" | Andrea | 2:13 |
| 10. | "Y'all Ain't Ready" | 2 Chainz | 3:42 |
| 11. | "Aries (YuGo)" | Pharrell Williams & Station Wagon P | 4:31 |
| 12. | "Emotions Unlocked" | Eearz | 3:59 |
| 13. | "Big God" | Trouble & Problem | 4:11 |
| 14. | "Faith" | Lil Wayne & HoodyBaby | 4:44 |
| 15. | "Come Down" | Chief Keef & Rae Sremmurd | 3:38 |
| 16. | "Outro" | 0:27 | |
| 17. | "Nothing Is Promised" | Rihanna | 2:50 |