Former Los Angeles kingpin, "Freeway" Rick Ross, recently announced that he and his team will be seeking an injunction against Miami rapper Rick Ross for the unauthorized use of his name and to block the release of the rapper's upcoming album Teflon Don.

Freeway Ricky's team sent us a press release last week revealing their plans, as well as explaining that their campaign against the rapper of the same name is not a beef.

"To set the record straight this is not a beef with no one its a lawsuit to reclaim his name," the release read. "Freeway Ricky Ross has major respect for all artists in the music industry."

As reported last month, the former drug dealer planned to file a lawsuit against rapper Rick Ross, and his labels, Def Jam and Universal for profiting "off of his name unlawfully while he was in jail, without his consent."

"It's no secret that the boss at FreewayEnterprise.com is unhappy with how his name has been exploited and misused since he went to prison in 1995, and in 2006, the above-named parties signed [William L. Roberts II] (Rick Ross' government name) to a big record deal and then spent, and made, millions off Ross' name," Freeway Ricky's camp said previously.

The "real" Rick Ross was released from prison in May 2009 after serving for 20 years for operating a $2 million per day multi-state drug empire. While incarcerated, Miami-based rapper Rick Ross broke onto the scene boasting a similar background of moving drugs, although it was later revealed that he worked as a correctional officer in his past.

Freeway Ricky claims that the rapper has stolen his name, image and likeness and leveraged them for profit, without his permission.

"If William Roberts attempts to use the 'Rick Ross' name that he spent years earning and spending time in prison to uphold, he will be met with an injunction," Ross' rep said. "Simple as that. This is not a publicity stunt, a game or a hoax, to sell some Rick Ross albums, as some have suggested. In fact, [Freeway] Rick Ross intends to halt the release of any Summer 2010 'Rick Ross' album."

At press time, it's unknown the amount in damages Freeway Ricky is seeking in their lawsuit.

Teflon Don is scheduled for a July 6 release date.

Read more »

Since his release from a life sentence in federal prison May 4, 2009, Ricky D. Ross a/k/a “Rick Ross”, the ex-drug kingpin from LA, has been preparing to go to war against all parties who profited off of his name unlawfully while he was in jail, without his consent, particularly William L. Roberts II, Def Jam, Universal and others. As the above-named parties gear up to release the 4th “Roberts as RICK ROSS” album titled “Teflon Don”, a storm is brewing in the real “Rick Ross” camp against the anticipated album imminent summer release.

The Real Freeway Rick Ross Interview Part 1 of 3

The Real Freeway Rick Ross Interview Part 2 of 3

The Real Freeway Rick Ross Interview Part 3 of 3 

It’s no secret that the Boss at Freeway Enterprise. com is unhappy with how his name has been exploited and misused since he went to prison in 1995, and in 2006, the above-named parties signed Roberts to a big record deal and then spent, and made, millions off Ross’ name. Rick Ross protested the exploitation and misuse of his name from prison in 2006, by having a lawyer send letters to Def Jam to cease use, which they ignored.

The above-named parties branded Roberts as “RICK ROSS” and dominated use of the real Rick Ross’ name, created Roberts false drug dealer image and based it on Rick Ross’ real drug dealer image, in the Black, urban crime, and rap community. Roberts’ breakout hit (Everyday I’m) Hustlin was about him falsely being this rapper and drug dealer named “RICK ROSS”, and with the financial backing of the above-named parties, Roberts became a rap star, and Rick Ross got nothing. If Rick Ross was still in jail, the story would be over! However Rick Ross is out of prison, and he’s ready to stand up for his rights.

Billed by Rick Ross’ camp and legal team as “The War Against the 4” (Def Jam, Universal, Roberts and more), “The Thriller of the Dealers”, “The ‘Real’ vs. the ‘Rap’ Deal” ,this summer promises to give us exciting times in the rap music business as Rick Ross ‘fights the power” for control of his name in commerce “by any means necessary”! Stay tuned to freewayenterprise.com for the latest developments in this ongoing battle for RESPECT, REDEMPTION, and RESTITUTION.

The real “Rick Ross” has been actively touring urban America spreading his message, and motivational speaking to at-risk youth, the hood, ex-offenders, and recovering addicts, about the powers of redemption, and he spoke at the Annual Savior’s Day as a guest of Minister Louis Farrakhan. A movie about his life, written by producer Nick Cassavettes, is slated for release next year.

Read more »