JRE #262 – “Freeway” Rick Ross

9/7/2012

This podcast delves deep into the story of “Freeway” Rick Ross, a prominent figure in the crack cocaine trade of the 1980s, and his ongoing legal battle with rapper Rick Ross, who adopted his name. The podcast explores themes of identity theft, the power of narrative, and the complexities of the American justice system. Provocative and controversial topics include the CIA’s involvement in the drug trade, the validity of Rick Ross’s claims, and the societal implications of the “fake it till you make it” mentality.

Major Topics

1. Rick Ross’s Identity Theft:

• Rapper Rick Ross adopted the name of “Freeway” Rick Ross, a notorious drug dealer who was famous for his name in the 1980s.
• The rapper built his career around the “Freeway” Rick Ross name, even though it wasn’t his real name.
• “Freeway” Rick Ross believes that the rapper is profiting off of his identity and history.
• He’s in an ongoing legal battle to reclaim his name and hold the rapper accountable for using it.

2. The CIA’s Involvement in the Drug Trade:

• “Freeway” Rick Ross shares his perspective on the CIA’s role in the drug trade during the 1980s.
• He alleges that the CIA was involved in selling illegal weapons and drugs, particularly crack cocaine.
• This alleged involvement is linked to the Iran-Contra scandal of the 1980s.
• The discussion highlights the dark underbelly of American foreign policy and its potential connection to the drug trade.

3. Rick Ross’s Life as a Drug Dealer:

• “Freeway” Rick Ross shares stories about his rise and fall as a major drug dealer.
• He details the dynamics of the drug trade, including his methods, his relationships with other dealers, and the risks involved.
• He also discusses the impact of the drug trade on his community and the consequences of his actions.
• The podcast provides a glimpse into the world of drug dealing from a unique perspective.

4. Rick Ross’s Claims and Contradictions:

• Joe Rogan probes the rapper Rick Ross’s claims about his past, including his alleged career as a corrections officer.
• He questions the validity of the rapper’s stories and highlights inconsistencies and questionable narratives.
• “Freeway” Rick Ross points out contradictions in the rapper’s claims, suggesting he’s deliberately creating a false persona.
• The discussion raises questions about the nature of identity, authenticity, and the role of narrative in shaping public perception.

5. The Culture of “Fake It Till You Make It”:

• “Freeway” Rick Ross criticizes the “fake it till you make it” mentality that he believes is prevalent in American culture.
• He argues that this mentality encourages dishonesty and undermines the value of hard work and genuine achievement.
• Joe Rogan agrees with Rick Ross’s point of view, highlighting the damaging effects of this mentality on individuals and society as a whole.
• The discussion delves into the ethical implications of deception and the importance of authenticity.

6. The American Justice System:

• The podcast examines the flaws and biases within the American justice system, particularly regarding the War on Drugs.
• “Freeway” Rick Ross critiques the harsh sentencing laws for crack cocaine, highlighting their discriminatory impact on the Black community.
• He discusses the rise of private prisons and their role in perpetuating the mass incarceration of Black men.
• The discussion emphasizes the need for criminal justice reform and highlights the systemic issues that contribute to mass incarceration.

7. The Role of Media and Narrative:

• Joe Rogan and “Freeway” Rick Ross discuss the role of media in shaping public narratives.
• They criticize the mainstream media for often prioritizing sensationalism and entertainment over truth and accuracy.
• The podcast highlights the power of alternative media, like podcasts and the internet, to provide diverse perspectives and challenge established narratives.
• The discussion underscores the importance of critical thinking and media literacy in navigating a complex and often biased media landscape.

8. The Importance of Education:

• “Freeway” Rick Ross strongly emphasizes the importance of education in combating poverty, crime, and the drug trade.
• He shares his own story of learning to read at age 28, highlighting the challenges and opportunities associated with overcoming illiteracy.
• He advocates for investing in educational resources and programs, particularly in underprivileged communities.
• The discussion underscores the transformative power of education in empowering individuals and creating a more equitable society.

9. The Power of the Name:

• The podcast explores the significance of names and their role in shaping identity and reputation.
• “Freeway” Rick Ross’s case highlights the potential consequences of identity theft and the challenges of reclaiming one’s name.
• The discussion touches on the power of branding and the way names can be used for personal gain or commercial purposes.
• It underscores the importance of protecting one’s identity and the potential for names to be both empowering and exploitative.

10. The Role of Celebrity Culture:

• The podcast touches on the complexities of celebrity culture and the way it can influence public perception.
• It examines the rapper Rick Ross’s success, which was built in part on the notoriety of the “Freeway” Rick Ross name.
• The discussion highlights the potential for celebrities to exploit narratives and manipulate public opinion.
• It raises questions about the role of authenticity in celebrity culture and the impact of fabricated personas on society.

11. The Implications of the Drug War:

• The podcast delves into the social and economic implications of the War on Drugs.
• “Freeway” Rick Ross argues that the drug war has disproportionately impacted the Black community, leading to mass incarceration and social inequality.
• He believes that the drug war has created a lucrative industry for private prisons and other institutions that profit from the criminal justice system.
• The discussion highlights the need for reevaluating drug policies and advocating for more humane and equitable approaches.

12. The Importance of Personal Accountability:

• “Freeway” Rick Ross emphasizes the importance of personal accountability, even when navigating difficult circumstances.
• He shares his own journey of taking responsibility for his actions and working to make amends for the harm he caused.
• He believes that individuals should be held accountable for their choices and actions, regardless of their background or circumstances.
• The discussion explores the importance of personal growth and the possibility of redemption.

13. The Role of Hope and Optimism:

• Despite the challenging topics discussed, the podcast maintains a hopeful and optimistic tone.
• “Freeway” Rick Ross emphasizes the potential for positive change through education, awareness, and individual action.
• He believes that society can learn from its mistakes and work towards a more equitable and just future.
• The discussion highlights the power of human resilience and the importance of never giving up on hope for a better world.

14. The Future of “Freeway” Rick Ross:

• The podcast ends with “Freeway” Rick Ross discussing his current work and aspirations.
• He’s dedicated to educating young people and raising awareness about the issues surrounding the drug war and mass incarceration.
• He’s working on a documentary titled “Crack in the System” that aims to expose the injustices of the American justice system.
• The podcast concludes with a sense of optimism and a commitment to continued advocacy for social justice and change.

Memorable Quotes

• “I’m a business motherfucker, and I see how this works.” – “Freeway” Rick Ross
• “If you’re gonna be a bad motherfucker, you gotta be a bad motherfucker. You gotta be the best.” – “Freeway” Rick Ross
• “They’re just pushing these black men into prison. They’re not fixing the problem.” – “Freeway” Rick Ross
• “This is not about entertainment. This is about the lives of real people.” – “Freeway” Rick Ross
• “We gotta figure out a way to make people smarter and clean up crime.” – Joe Rogan