Ever wondered who the girl is that says "Maybach Music,... sweeet" on the Rick Ross songs? Exclusive interview with Australian model Jessica Gomes inside.
What started as a one drop from Jessica evolved into one of the most recognizable taglines in hip-hop.
You could hear her voice all over Wale’s Ambition album, the MMG Self Made album and the brand new Rich Forever Rick Ross mixtape.
But how did it happen?
Gomes kicked it with GlobalGrind to
tell the background story on the tag, what her relationship with Ross
and Jay-Z is and how much money she’s received for becoming one of the
most recognizable names in history.
GlobalGrind: How are you Jessica, we recognize the voice.
Jessica Gomes: Yeah, from Maybach Music.
You’re going to have to get used to that.
I just can’t believe it, seriously, because I did it a long time ago. And I totally forgot about it.
When did you do it?
I did it back in 2007, 2008. I think it was 2008, though.
The first time people heard it was on “Maybach Music” with Jay-Z.
Right, Jay-Z and Rick Ross. It was at
the beginning of the track. It was another girl talking and then she
says, ‘What is this?’ and I say ‘It’s Maybach music’ and then we both
say ‘I like this Maybach music.’ And we both go ‘Sweet.’
How did that come about?
We were just hanging out with friends
in the studio and then it just happened. We got behind the mic, started
talking and that was it, really. They decided to put it in their song
and nothing came about.
But now everyone’s using my part where I
say “Maybach Music.” Even A-Trak, who’s a friend of mine, the DJ, asked
‘Have you heard this song?’ And I said ‘No.’
I haven’t been living in New York for
the past year and a half. I’ve been living back in Australia, but now
I’m living in L.A. It evolved into something really big. I didn’t expect
it to be like this. It was having fun and mucking around, really. I
guess people just dig the Aussie accent.
When was the first time you heard it?
I heard the Rick Ross and Jay-Z song and I loved it. I thought it was great.
So how does one find herself in Rick Ross’ studio?
(Laughs). Well, we were just all
friends. I was friends of friends with Jay. We were all hanging out and
they were just like, ‘Wow, we love your accent. We love your voice. Why
don’t you say something and we’ll record it.’ That was seriously it.
Who else was in the studio?
Just a group of friends. A friend of
Jay’s and then I was a friend of Jay’s friend. I don’t know Rick Ross.
We’re not friends. I know of Jay. I’ve shot his Rocawear campaign
before. But we’re not down friends, at all. We’re just acquaintances.
Did you get to see them record?
Yeah, they were recording the song and
then they thought it would be cool to add that. It was a spontaneous
thing. I didn’t hear the song for a long time after. Obviously now it’s
turned into a really big hit. I haven’t heard any of the other songs
that have it on there. I only really heard the original.
So it sounds like you’re not a big rap girl.
Oh, I am. Trust me, I love my rap.
Who’s you’re favorite rapper?
Probably Jay-Z and Kanye. I love “Ni*gas In Paris.” That’s my favorite song. “Otis,” I love. And I like “New Day.”
Do you know the song Kanye name-dropped you in?
Yeah, “Christian Dior Denim Flow.” It’s
a really fun song. It’s like a anthem for models, really. I’ve also
spoken on Kid Cudi and O’Neal McKnight’s song “Speed of Light,” as well.
I’m friends with quite a few of the music people. And they just say: ‘I
really like your voice. Would you like to speak on my song?’
It’s funny, my Twitter account is going
crazy right now, people are asking me to do their voicemail. They’re
like ‘How can I pay you? I’ll pay you to talk!’
This could be a business for you, right?
Yeah, I’m gonna quit modeling and just answer voicemails!
It’s amazing that it’s just getting out now that you’re the Maybach Music girl. Did you identify yourself?
No, I have no idea. The only time it
was brought up was a couple of months ago when me and a friend of mind
were chatting. I asked: ‘Is this the Rick Ross, Jay-Z song?’ And he was
like ‘No, it’s a different one.’
And then someone tweeted me once, ‘Are you the Maybach Music girl?’ Then it just exploded yesterday on Twitter.
How do you think he figured it out?
I don’t know. Even my friends, because they know my voice, they’re like “that’s you.”
I’m as puzzled by this as you guys are.
I can’t believe it. I didn’t even talk about it after I did it because I
didn’t think anything of it.
Your voice is probably on 50 songs.
Really! I need to be getting paid for these songs.
You’re not getting paid?
No!
Do you feel like you should be getting paid?
Now I do. Because it’s hot and it’s out there.
You’ve been a pretty successful model for a couple of years now. Do you think this is going to hurt your brand?
Not really. I think that it’s fun. And it’s something that people are surprised about as well.
I think it helps the musicians that are
using it as well. I don’t mind if people want to use my voice on their
songs. It’s flattering and it’s fun.
I can’t sing or rap. Why not just say some sexy words in a song, you know?
Just to clear things up, have you met Ross?
Just that night.
So you’ve never had a conversation after that?
No. Not at all. I haven’t had a conversation with any of them about it.
Do you have a favorite Ross song?
Yeah, it’s “Maybach Music.”
Obviously.
And I love the beginning part. I love the beat. It’s a really sexy song.
Hopefully you’ll get a check.
Yeah, I need to call Rick Ross and be like ‘Yo, I need my check!’