Former Miami Drugpin Sues Rick Ross for Use of Name
Former Miami drug kingpin Rick Ross is reportedly planning to file suit against his hip-hop namesake for using his street name without consent.
At the height of his criminal career in the mid-80's, the "real" Rick Ross moved millions of dollars worth of cocaine weekly, and was one of the world's most respected and feared drug dealers. Sentenced in 1996 for attempting to purchase over 100 kilograms of cocaine from an undercover agent, Ross was recently released, and has publicly stated his frustration with the rapper Rick Ross' (born William Leonard Roberts II) usage of his name and reputation.
According to the former drug dealer's claims, he sent cease-and-desist letters to the Roberts' record label, Def Jam, requesting that the MC refrain from using his name, but was ignored. Ross is allegedly planning to sue Def Jam, parent company Universal, Roberts and several others.
Meanshile, the rapper's highly anticipated 4th album, 'Teflon Don,' is scheduled for a July 6 release date, featuring production by Kanye West and guest appearances by Jay-Z and Ne-Yo.