Friday, March 29, 2024

I Can’t Deal with Rick Ross.

August 14, 2017 by  
Filed under Ent., Music, News, Opinion, Weekly Columns

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(ThyBlackMan.com) One doesn’t have to be a feminist to have a voice regarding women’s issues. Regardless of how much some of us may love Hip-Hop there must be a line drawn in the sand regarding the treatment of women within the industry. If we have a problem with one vile act against women, many are angry about R. Kelly, we must also raise our voices when artist make music that condone date rape, and see female artists as a form of whore. It is very important not to paint this picture with a broad brush. Every black male rap artist, or label owner is not Rick Ross.

However, the artist that are not like Rick Ross need to consider their affiliation with him because the problem is bigger than money. Maybe, some black women feel black men are against them is because they don’t see enough of our men speaking out. Granted, just because we don’t see it doesn’t mean it hasn’t happened. Notice it is important that ALL black men are not labeled as a part of the problem, as the goal is to be as truthful as possible.

During an interview on Power 105.1 The Breakfast Club show rapper Rick Ross gave insight as to why he hasn’t signed female artists to his Maybach Music Group label. If his reasoning had anything to do with talent, skills or anything professional one could understand his logic even if they didn’t agree. Instead, his reasoning was sexually charged and a grave insult to female artists. “You know, I never did it because I always thought, like, I would end up f**king a female rapper and f**king the business up,” he said, “I’m so focused on my business. I just, I gotta be honest with you.

You know, she looking good. I’m spending so much money on her photo shoots. I gotta f**k a couple times.” First and foremost, he assumes in this commentary that the female artist would be unprofessional from the start allowing said behavior. He has had to spend money on male artists and this logic has not applied. Basically, this would equate to a whorish exchange and it is completely unacceptable. Truth be told women really should not support Rick Ross, and his comments warrant backlash. However, it won’t be until men in the industry take a vocal stance against him that truly understands that he is wrong in his thinking.

Of course, he walked his comments back giving an apology explaining that the operations of his business are ran by his mother and sister, and that he has a daughter that he loves. “I want to address an insensitive comment I made on a very sensitive issue, especially in a minority dominated industry like hiphop. My entire empire’s backbone is led by 2 of the strongest people I know and they happen to be women, my mother and sister. The operations wouldn’t run without them and I have the highest regard and respect for women in this industry. I have a daughter myself, my most cherished gift in the world. My comment is not reflection of my beliefs on the issue. A mistake I regret.

I hope to use my mistake, my platform and the community to create positive discussion to implement change on a very important issue. respect for the ones who stand up to say hey that isn’t right. Now it’s time to accept responsibility and all do better.” I would like to think he respects his family, and daughter. He would not disrespect them in the manner that he saw fit to disrespect other women. The problem is that he would speak such things at all…so he’s the Boss but can’t respect the talent of a rapper because she’s a woman. That may seem like a harsh rebuke, but we must realize he doesn’t see her as an artist…he sees her as an object.

Many will forgive Rick Ross, or only have a brief moment of agitation. However, I do believe his comments to speak to a larger issue, as he definitely wouldn’t have this logic regarding male artists. I’m not a feminist; I believe in fair treatment and respect. Rick Ross doesn’t seem to understand those concepts when it comes to women aside from his family. If he wants a better world for his daughter he must be an active participant in creating such. I’m sure many will still listen to Rick Ross…I just won’t be of them.

Staff Writer; Christian Starr

May connect with this sister over at Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/christian.pierre.9809 and also Twitterhttp://twitter.com/MrzZeta.


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