In a heated exchange that has reignited a long-standing feud, rapper Rick Ross has responded to recent disparaging comments made by former drug dealer Freeway Rick Ross. The clash, which unfolded on social media, follows Freeway’s remarks during an interview where he criticized the rapper’s physique and questioned the authenticity of his stage name, “Ricky Rozay.”
In an interview with a social media influencer, Freeway, who is known for his notorious past as a drug dealer in the 1980s, took aim at Rick Ross, declaring himself “the real Ross.” He remarked that the name “Rozay” sounds “feminine” to him, and he adamantly defended himself against accusations regarding his weight, stating, “And I ain’t fat either. Nah, I ain’t fat.” His comments quickly gained traction, prompting a response from Rick Ross on social media.
The rapper, who has faced allegations of appropriating Freeway’s identity for profit, took to his social media platform to fire back. “This gangsta informant still lurks. @freewayrickross. Go put on a suit, peon,” he wrote, further escalating the tension between the two figures. The exchange has drawn significant attention on social media, with many users siding with Freeway, highlighting the ongoing battle over authenticity and identity that has defined their relationship for over a decade.
The roots of this feud date back to 2009 when Freeway sued the rapper for trademark infringement, claiming that Rick Ross, whose real name is William Roberts II, had exploited his name and reputation without consent. Freeway argued that his name holds historical significance and that the rapper had profited from his notoriety while misrepresenting his own background. In defense, Rick Ross maintained that his stage name was crafted for his music and was influenced by both Freeway’s legacy and the drug culture of Miami during the 1980s.
Despite Freeway’s legal attempts to reclaim his identity, a 2010 court ruling favored Rick Ross, citing artistic expression as a valid defense. However, Freeway has remained undeterred, continuing to voice his disdain for the rapper’s portrayal of a lifestyle he argues the rapper never truly experienced. The ongoing dispute underscores a broader conversation about authenticity in hip-hop, with Freeway insisting that his identity has been appropriated for commercial gain.
As the war of words continues, both figures remain entrenched in their positions, with Freeway adamant about defending his legacy and Rick Ross unapologetically asserting his artistic expression. The public’s fascination with their rivalry suggests that this feud is far from over, as both men navigate the complex intersections of identity, fame, and authenticity in the world of hip-hop.