S. Samuel
We The Best's Ace Hood recently spoke up for close friend Rick Ross in light of the controversy he has received over perceived date rape lyrics on Rocko's "U.O.E.N.O." record.
In Ace’s perspective, Ricky Rozay would not promote rape under any circumstance, especially on a record.
“Ross ain’t that type of guy,” Ace said in an interview. “You know what I mean? I’ve known Ross since I jumped in this music industry, he ain’t mean it in no way that would be degrading to women or anything like that aura. [Why did he say it?] What they saying he said, he didn’t say. You know what I’m saying, what they’re saying. Bottle and champagne, something like that.” (“Jenny Boom Boom”)
Last week, Ross issued a public apology shortly before a protest outside of a New York Reebok store against him went down.
“I dont condone rape.Apologies for the #lyric interpreted as rape. #BOSS,” Ross tweeted April 4th.
“Apologies to my many business partners,who would never promote violence against women. @ReebokClassics @ultraviolet” (Rick Ross’ Twitter)
Activist Nita Chaudhary issued a statement prior to Ross’ apology and she defended her issues against Reebok in light of the “Boss.”
“In remaining silent, Reebok is using it’s brand to promote rape,” said Nita Chaudhary, co-founder of UltraViolet. “Reebok and Rick Ross have crossed a line– not only does Ross brag about drugging and raping a woman, he is pushing the idea that if you don’t use the word ‘rape’ it doesn’t count. We are fed up and disgusted with Reebok, and Thursday we will bring this fight to their front steps.” (Statement)
Heading into last weekend, New York rapper Talib Kweli stood behind publicly speaking out against the MMG head.
“The blogs have been getting on me saying I’ve got opinions about Ross or opinions about Lil Wayne and stuff and I’m like, ‘Yo, I’ve got opinions just like the next man.’ You know? But I’m glad through social media you can get it straight from the horse’s mouth. You can go on my Twitter and find out what I really think as opposed to trusting what a blog might have to say about me. But I’ve got my opinions just like anybody else in hip-hop and I’m not no authority on Rick Ross or Lil Wayne or anybody else. I’m not no authority. I don’t make no demands. I don’t have no power over these men. But, you know, I state my opinion just like anybody else. That opinion is, look, all these artists that have lyrics that offend people, especially Rick Ross and Lil Wayne, I’m a fan of both of these men. I know both of these men. I’m friendly with both of these men. … I someone says something I don’t agree with, I don’t have any problem with saying it’s wrong.” (Hot 97)
Check out Ace Hood’s interview:
