S. Samuel
Reebok CEO Uli Becker has reportedly addressed the company's relationship with rap star Rick Ross turning sour in light of his controversial "U.O.E.N.O" lyrics.
According to reports, Becker said he thinks highly of Ricky Rozay but not of the company he keeps around him.
We’ve heard Rick Ross’ side of the story, but now Reebok CEO Uli Becker has shared his two cents on the rapper’s recent dismissal from the brand over his date rape lyrics on Rocko’s “U.O.E.N.O.” According to a tweet made by Footwear News, Becker called Rozay a “great guy,” but said he has “stupid” advisors around him. Given how the situation was dealt with, that sounds like a fair comment. “Footwear News: Reebok CEO Uli Becker on Rick Ross: ‘It’s unfortunate because he’s a great guy, he just has stupid advisors around him.’ #FNCEOSummit” (Miss Info TV)
A few days ago, rap veteran Snoop Dogg backed up Ross in light of Reebok’s decision to severe ties.
“When you’re buying Snoop Dogg you’re buying all that that come with it. When you’re buying Rozay, you’re buying all that come with it,” the newly reincarnated Snoop Lion said Wednesday when he appeared on “RapFix Live.” “You know what his lifestyle is about, you know what his music is about, so you have to engulf all of that. If you’re not willing to take all that on, then step out of the way and stop playing and acting like he’s bringing harm to your company. … He actually made your company worth something and made your company relevant, because who cares about your company if you don’t have a rapper connected to it.” (MTV)
Former Ruff Ryders member Eve considered the mega sneaker company’s motivation for splitting with Rozay.
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 by 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)
