Rapper sorry for saying he doesn’t hire female artistes because he would have sex with them
SUPERSTAR rapper Rick Ross apologised on Thursday for comments he made during a recent interview on New York City radio show “The Breakfast Club” regarding female employees.
He was questioned about the lack of women signed to his hip-hop record label, Maybach Music Group since its founding in 2009. The clean version of his reply: “I never did it because I always thought, like, I would end up” having sex with “a female rapper and” messing “the business up.”
He continued, laughing while imagining the situation that so troubled him, which seemed to be a complete lack of control over his own libido.
“I’m so focused on my business. I just, I gotta be honest with you,” Ross said. “You know, she looking good. I’m spending so much money on her photo shoots. I gotta” have sex “a couple times.”
The comments naturally sparked a wave of outrage on social media.
Ross, who released a record in 2012 titled “God Forgives, I Don’t,” took to Facebook on Thursday to apologise for his comments, which has become something of a habit for the rapper.
“I want to address an insensitive comment I made on a very sensitive issue, especially in a minority dominated industry like hip-hop,” the note began, adding that his “entire empire’s backbone is led by” his mother and sister.
“My comment is not reflection of my beliefs on the issue. A mistake I regret,” Ross wrote. “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.”
He concluded by plugging his VH1 show “Signed,” which premiered this week. On the show, contestants battle for an opportunity to sign with Maybach Music Group. Ross is a mentor on the show.
“Many of the most talented artistes you’ll see in the running to be the next #MMG superstars are female artistes,” he wrote. “I look forward to clarifying my comments through my support.”
His apology seemed to be well received. The post attracted thousands of “likes” and hundreds of comments, most of which appeared to be supportive of Ross.
“The best leaders are the ones who lead By example. No one is perfect. Always being humble enough to admit a flaw and fix it,” wrote Renata Spinks, who added, “Much respect!”
“As an upcoming female producer and industry professional, I THANK YOU for the clarification. For this woman as many others rather the blood, sweat and tears of our gifts than the use our body parts to achieve our goals and fulfil our purpose,” wrote Tara Lyons.
Many clearly considered what he said offensive but praised the rapper for being “a man of good faith to admit when you are wrong.”
Ross has admitted fault before, in a similar controversy.
On a remix of “U.O. E. N. O,” a song by Rocko in 2013, Ross rapped, “Put Molly all in the champagne/She ain’t even know
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.
— Rick Ross, superstar rapper
it/I took her home and I enjoyed that/She ain’t even know it.”
Molly is a slang term for the supposedly pure MDMA, the active ingredient in Ecstasy — though most Molly is mixed with other street drugs, such as bath salts. it triggers “hormones that affect sexual arousal and trust,” according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse.
Almost immediately upon the line’s release and the subsequent social media outrage, Reebok dropped its sponsorship of the rapper.
Following that, Ross released an apology that sounds familiar.
“Before I am an artiste, I am a father, a son, and a brother to some of the most cherished women in the world. So for me to suggest in any way that harm and violation be brought to a woman is one of my biggest mistakes and regrets,” Ross said.
“To my fans, I also apologise if I have disappointed you,” Ross wrote. “I can only hope that this sparks a healthy dialogue and that I can contribute to it.”