Rick Ross Loses Shoe Deal with Reebok Over Controversial Rape Lyrics

Earlier today Reebok announced that they would no longer be working with Rick Ross  after much debate over his verse in rap song, “U.O.E.N.O.” The controversial lyric goes as followed, “Put molly all in her champagne…she ain’t even know it.  I took her home and I enjoyed that…she ain’t even know it.” Molly is a slang term for the drug MDMA. Since the song hit airwaves in January, Ross has been the topic of many discussions. Women activists and rape survivors demanded that the song be taken off air and that Reebok cancelled their lucrative deal with the rapper.

While some felt that the lyrics were abrasive, they also felt like they had to defend Ross’ freedom of speech. Ross took to Twitter and apologized for the lyric tweeting, “I dont condone rape. Apologies for the #lyric interpreted as rape. #BOSS.” Reebok stated that they do not believe that Ross condones sexual misconduct, but they do not like how he has not fully addressed the issue and taken responsibility for his part.

This whole controversy has me thinking. Yes, when I heard the lyric I was in an uproar and even more mad when Ross came out with that half ass apology. I mean, come on, there was no interpretation. You drugged a woman and raped her. There was nothing to read in between the lines. But as much as I hate the lyric, I didn’t agree with Reebok dropping him from his deal. Really, why did Reebok sign him in the first place? If they are looking for someone who upholds an empowering image and will help uplift the community, is Rick Ross really that guy? Have they not heard any of his other songs? It was okay when he was talking about selling drugs and murdering people, but now that he talks about raping women, he’s a bad influence. Isn’t his image bad all the way around?

Now, I am not a Rick Ross hater. I actually enjoy his music, even though we all know his life is not anything like it. But I don’t agree with Reebok on this one. Especially when the song has been out for all this time and they are just now dropping him. I’m sure those numerous phone calls and emails had nothing to do with it. What is your take on this situation? Should Ross have been dropped? Was the lyric out of line? When does freedom of speech go to far?

For more from Jeanine Nicole, visit www.iamjeaninenicole.com