By: Taren Vaughan
It’s been over a week now since the controversy started over the lyrics that Rick Ross rapped in Rocko’s song ‘U.O.E.N.O.’ about date rape. And it doesn’t appear to be dying down anytime soon. Rick Ross’ lyrics managed to piss off much of his female fan base with his rhymes and ignited boycotts in the process. The “date rape” song lyric controversy even has a radio station not supporting his music any longer, vowing to give Rick Ross tracks no airplay. Rick Ross took the time out to address the issue at hand but didn’t really offer a full fledged apology to those who were offended by the lyrics, Rapper Talib Kweli calling Ross out for his condoning of rape in the song and not offering a sincere apology. Talib Kweli isn’t the only one who isn’t buying Rick Ross’ “apology” as the public anger towards the rapper is still alive and well as women’s rights group UltraViolet has announced today that they will be leading a protest outside of Reebok’s flagship store in Manhattan tomorrow, April 4th, Rick Ross a spokesperson for the shoe brand.
Co-founder of UltraViolet Nita Chaundhary released a statement letting Reebok know just how the members of the organization feel about Rick Ross representing their brand:
“We are appalled that Reebok would pay a spokesperson who brags about enjoying drugging and raping a woman. Reebok devotes a lot of time, energy and money to marketing to women–and now they are paying a man who is literally bragging about raping us while absurdly insisting it can’t possibly be rape if he doesn’t use the word “rape.” Reebok is apparently OK promoting rape culture, but when 1 out of 5 women are the victim of an attempted or completed rape, that has consequences.”
Rick Ross took to his Twitter account and tweeted apologies directly to Ultraviolet and Reebok about his offensive rape lyrics:
Think this will be enough?
Another lukewarm apology. FAIL.
He’s an idiot.
I’m so happy people are finally making these ignorant rappers take responsibility for their offensive lyrics.
Karma. He was pretty stupid to even rap what he did. The problem is rappers think they are untouchable after a while. Now he knows he’s not.
I hope Reebok drops him. #shrugs
PEOPLE INTERPRET THINGS THE WRONG WAY WITH HIS SONG. IM SURE HIS APOLOGY IS SINCERE. YOU PEOPLE NEED TO STOP DOWNING A MAN BECAUSE OF THE CAREER HE CHOSE. THE NEGATIVITY IS UNNECESSARY LIKE FOR REAL! 305
Please don’t tell us what we NEED to do. We are entitled to our opinions, just like you are. You’re only riding for him because I assume you’re from Miami. Whatever.
Anyway, I’m glad people are speaking up.
The funny thing is his date rape lyrics are actually more negative than any of the comments on here. Keep riding hard for these rappers that have no respect for women. I know I won’t.
Of course he means this apology. People are coming after his money now. LOL.
Now that it’s messing with his money, he wants to apologize. _/ <— Have a seat sir.
Bad judgment can hurt your career. I agree with the people who feel he was being stupid. The lyrics were irresponsible. You don’t rap about something that can be interpreted as rape. That’s pretty stupid and insensitive.
That’s what he gets! It’s sad that women had to be the ones to lead the movement. Men need to speak up and stop cosigning the racist and sexist lyrics.
Oh well! When you do stupid things, you have to pay the consequence. This “apology” isn’t cutting it. What he should do is request that his verse be taken off the song and partner up to do some community service with organizations fighting for the rights of rape victims. Then he should do a press conference and vow to be more responsible in his lyrics. I need to get in PR…lol.
They are coming for his money now. Good! That’s the only way people will take you seriously these days.
For him to be such a “boss,” he’s not very smart.
No sympathy! Drop him Reebok!!!!
That’s rily wise of him n 4 him 2 rily step up afta seeing he was rong mins a lot hey,still love u boss
That’s still not an sincere apology. Who apologizes to business partners first and then be like “oh yeah, sorry to women who were offended???” He’s sorry he done messed his money up! If he was truly sorry, he would have apologized the moment people started complaining about the lyrics. Whateva Rick. Have a million seats!