S. Samuel
Former drug kingpin Freeway Ricky Ross has once again stepped forward to share some words toward rap mogul Jay Z and his current sticky situation with high-end clothing retailer Barneys.
The now-infamous former convict provided a response to Jay questioning why he was being targeted by the media despite the racial profiling accusations relating directly to Barneys.
“I read the Jay Z comments on Barney’s asking why he’s being judged, you’re being judged because that’s what comes with basing your career off the D Boy game. The game is give and take with those around you. It’s not enough to comment about Barney’s profiling when you sell products to the people possibly targeted. People that look like people you grew up with, and that are in your family. We know the reality of this country in regard to race. You stand up for them immediately when it comes to something as sensitive as racial profiling.” (AHH)
Ricky Ross also urged Young Hov to speak out and demand equality from the business partners he decides to team with.
“You have to have context of American history that this profiling is happening and be honest, and demand the people you partner with to be of the type that treat your people fairly. This is the big problem of the high-end luxury these rappers talk about and have our children hooked on for status. They are not in our interest as a community, and often as seen in the profiling case they look down upon us as customers.” (AHH)
The Barneys chaos has even motivated rap star Kanye West to bring it up during his Yeezus nationwide tour.
“My mama was raised in the era when clean water was only served to the fairer skin. Doing clothes, you would have thought I had help. But they wasn’t satisfied, unless I picked the cotton myself. You see it’s broke n*gga racism, that’s that don’t touch anything in the store. Excuse me that’s that, ‘Can I help you sir?’ That’s that racial profiling out in front of Barneys and sh*t. Talking about, ‘Did you steal that?’ And it’s that rich n*gga racism, that’s come in… come in Ye please buy more, please buy more. We got plenty of fur coats, we, we, we’re into boats. Please buy more. I know you just got some money and can’t wait to spend it n*gga.’ And then you know what? These n*ggas think I’m playing, huh?” (YouTube)
Jigga released a statement over the weekend and questioned being targeted over the situation.
“I move and speak based on facts and not emotion,” the statement said. “I haven’t made any comments because I am waiting on facts and the outcome of a meeting between community leaders and Barneys. Why am I being demonized, denounced and thrown on the cover of a newspaper for not speaking immediately?” he said, referring to local newspaper headlines. Jay-Z said in this case, he’s still trying to find out what happened –which is why he was silent. “The negligent, erroneous reports and attacks on my character, intentions and the spirit of this collaboration have forced me into a statement I didn’t want to make without the full facts,” he added. (Boston Herald)
Hovi also denied making big bucks off his Barneys partnership and explained why he would not end the relationship prematurely.
“This money is going to help individuals facing socio-economic hardships to help further their education at institutions of higher learning,” he said. “My idea was born out of creativity and charity… not profit.” Jay-Z said he understood what it felt like to be racially profiled — but also didn’t want to jump to unfair conclusions. “I am against discrimination of any kind but if I make snap judgments, no matter who it’s towards, aren’t I committing the same sin as someone who profiles?” he asked. “I am no stranger to being profiled and I truly empathize with anyone that has been put in that position. Hopefully this brings forth a dialogue to effect real change.” (Boston Herald)
Make sure to also peep SOHH’s Instagram and Get Frush’s Instagram pages!
