Hip-hop star Rick Ross continues to accumulate millions from his music, which often details the joys and tribulations of life as a drug dealer. But while indisputable evidence of Rick Ross’ criminal lifestyle has yet to surface, the convicted felon who was born as Ricky Ross remains upset with the rapper for using his name to make money.
In June 2010, Ricky Ross lost a court hearing that attempted to name Rick Ross (rapper), Jay-Z, Def Jam Records and Universal Music Group responsible for violating trademark rights by using the name Rick Ross.
But a judge ruled that Ricky Ross could not properly trademark his own name due to its use in magazines, newspapers and television.
Ross has decided to hire new lawyers and take the case to the state of California with the hopes of a different verdict.
Ricky Ross was a major California drug dealer during the late 1970 and early ’80s.
His main supplier, Danilo Blandon, worked closely with the CIA to funnel Ricky Ross’ drug money to a militant army in South America that was backed by the U.S. government. He was eventually arrested and released in 2009 after serving nearly 20 years in prison.
“We’re both teaching two different messages,” Ricky Ross says about Rick Ross (the rapper). “He’s teaching my old life: sell drugs, disrespect women, all the things that really have our country in shambles. I’m teaching uplifting values, education, literacy. He’s teaching illiteracy.” –a.r.
