S. Samuel
Maybach Music Group leader Rick Ross appears to be continuing to brush up his tarnished image after dropping rape-condoning lyrics on "U.O.E.N.O" with a new record called "National Champs."
While there is no time stamp to when Ross wrote his raps, some decoded lyrics suggest he penned the track in response to the backlash he has received as of late.
So, this is well-timed. And by “well” we mean “terribly.” Rick Ross — who is now officially “embattled rapper Rick Ross” as the controversy surrounding his rape-endorsing line on Rocko’s“U.O.E.N.O.” rages on — has released a new track called “National Champs,” in which he denounces sexual assault. The line in question goes as follows: “Hole in my hammer / It get cold in the winter / My lil’ n*ggas on fire / I f*cks with no sex offenders.” Whether this is a direct response to the “U.O.E.N.O.” controversy or just a coincidental rhyme on a song released today in hopes of stemming the anti-Ross tide is anyone’s guess, but nonetheless there is little hope of it helping his cause in any significant manner. (SPIN)
A few days ago, Ross issued a statement on his previous lyrics in light of a protest against him at a New York City Reebok store on Thursday (April 4).
“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 defending 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 the weekend, New York rapper Talib Kweli defended 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 “National Champs”:
