Rick Ross has been in hot water recently for his perceived date rape lyrics on Rocko’s U.O.E.N.O. Last week, women’s activist group, Ultraviolet protested in front of Reebok’s flagship store in Manhattan, encouraging the sneaker brand to end their relationship with Ross. As of yesterday (April 11), Reebok made a public decision to terminate their partnership with the Maybach Music Group rapper.
In a statement released to Billboard, the company wasted no time expressing their views on the matter. “Reebok holds our partners to a high standard, and we expect them to live up to the values of our brand. Unfortunately, Rick Ross has failed to do so. While we do not believe that Rick Ross condones sexual assault, we are very disappointed he has yet to display an understanding of the seriousness of this issue or an appropriate level of remorse. At this time, it is in everyone’s best interest for Reebok to end its partnership with Mr. Ross.”
Ross took to his Twitter last week to apologize for the confusion surrounding the lyrics interpreted as rape and reiterating the fact that he didn’t use the word ‘rape’. Although a clear explanation of the lyrics has yet to be offered. In the song he raps, “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.”
To add insult to injury, earlier this week, it was revealed that rapper Rocko, who released the original version off his Gift of Gab 2 mixtape, will release another version of the song less Ross’ verse.
When do rappers and artists begin to hold themselves accountable for their lyrics? Do you think other rappers will tread more softly on misogynistic lyrics? Let us know what you think in the comments below.