S. Samuel
Bad Boy Records' French Montana recently addressed the hype surrounding close friend Rick Ross in light of him losing up to $5 million from Reebok.
While French said he felt Reebok went too hard on him, the Bronx rapper did open himself up to a potential partnership with the mega sneaker company.
“I feel like a lot of people did worse than that and people didn’t judge them. They could’ve taken it light on him, understanding that it was a mistake. People make mistakes; we all human. That’s about it. As far as Ross, I know him personally. I know he’s a great guy. He’s like a big brother to me and I’m a big fan of Reebok. I can’t wait for them to cut me one of them big checks.” (MTV Hive)
Female rap star Eve recently shared her take on Reebok cutting its ties with the “Boss.”
She also weighed in on the controversy surrounding Rick Ross’ pro-rape lyrics, which ended with the termination of his Reebok deal. “I think they did what was in their right as a corporation,” explained Eve. “People still have to remember it is a business and there are shareholders that are bigger than just Reebok that are probably looking at this situation and being like, ‘You know what, this is not something that we want to represent.'” (Rap-Up)
According to reports, Ricky Rozay will lose at least $3.5 million since being dropped from Reebok.
Rick Ross is crestfallen over losing his Reebok deal because of that date rape song … but he’s also bitter because he believes the shoe company owed him a second chance. Sources close to the rapper tell TMZ … Ross will lose between $3.5 million and $5 million … he was getting a check each time he wore the shoes. TMZ broke the story … Reebok dumped Ross for releasing the song U.O.E.N.O., which includes the lyric: “Put Molly [Ecstasy] all in the champagne. She ain’t even know it. I took her home and I enjoy that. She ain’t even know it.” Ross issued a tepid apology … suggesting the lyrics were actually misinterpreted. He also pulled the song — which was only on a mixtape. (TMZ)
Last Thursday (April 11), the sportswear brand issued a statement on its huge decision.
Athletic goods retailer Reebok on Thursday terminated its relationship with rapper Rick Ross, whose song featuring lyrics that seem to boast about drugging and raping a woman has caused an uproar. “While we do not believe that Rick Ross condones sexual assault, we are very disappointed he has yet to display an understanding of the seriousness of this issue or an appropriate level of remorse,” Reebok, a subsidiary of Germany company Adidas, said in a statement. “At this time, it is in everyone’s best interest for Reebok to end its partnership with Mr. Ross,” it said. Ross had an endorsement deal with the company and promoted its shoes in print and TV commercials. (Reuters)
