JRE #2163 – Freeway Rick Ross

This podcast features a captivating conversation with Freeway Rick Ross, a former drug kingpin who shares his remarkable journey from the streets of South Central to becoming an author, motivational speaker, and community advocate. The podcast dives deep into provocative topics like the drug trade, government involvement in the crack cocaine epidemic, and the challenges of rehabilitation and second chances. Beneath these surface-level topics lies a profound exploration of the allure and pitfalls of success, the power of resilience and transformation, and the complexities of societal systems.

Podcast Topic Breakdown:

1. Freeway Rick Ross’s Rise and Fall in the Drug Trade

   • Ross’s early life and lack of opportunity in South Central, LA.
   • His entry into the drug trade, driven by the allure of wealth and power.
   • His meteoric rise to become a multi-million dollar drug kingpin.
   • His eventual arrest, conviction, and long prison sentence.

2. The Iran-Contra Affair and Government Involvement in the Drug Trade

   • Ross’s unwitting involvement in the CIA’s alleged cocaine trafficking operations to fund the Contras in Nicaragua.
   • The government’s role in fueling the crack cocaine epidemic in the United States.
   • The impact of the Iran-Contra affair on Ross’s life and the drug trade landscape.
   • The controversial debate about government complicity in drug trafficking.

3. Rehabilitation, Second Chances, and Social Justice

   • Ross’s transformative journey in prison, learning to read and pursue a legal education.
   • His fight against unjust sentencing laws and his eventual release from prison.
   • His advocacy for criminal justice reform and second chances for those who have been incarcerated.
   • His work with homeless organizations and his commitment to giving back to the community.

4. The Power of Discipline, Mentorship, and Second Chances

   • Ross’s emphasis on the importance of discipline, particularly in overcoming adversity.
   • His recognition that he lacked positive mentorship in his youth, leading him astray.
   • His belief that society should provide support and opportunities for those who have made mistakes.
   • His commitment to mentoring and helping others, especially those in the boxing world.

5. The Drug Trade Today: Legalization, the Cartel, and Public Perception

   • Ross’s perspective on the ongoing drug trade and the challenges of legalization.
   • The role of the Mexican cartels in supplying drugs to the United States and the impact on American society.
   • The complexities of drug policy, including the debate over prohibition and its unintended consequences.
   • Ross’s view on the potential benefits of marijuana legalization and its impact on criminal justice reform.

6. The Role of Media, Influence, and Power Dynamics

   • Ross’s experience with media coverage and how it shaped his public image.
   • The impact of hip hop music and celebrity culture on the drug trade and public perception.
   • The power of narratives and how they can influence behavior and social change.
   • The challenges of combating misinformation and promoting positive narratives.

7. The Impact of Social Media and its Influence on Public Perception

   • Ross’s experience with the limitations and control of social media platforms, particularly Instagram.
   • The impact of algorithms and censorship on visibility and reach.
   • The power of social media to shape narratives and control information.
   • Ross’s view on the potential for social media to be a force for good.

8. The Importance of Perspective and Empathy

   • Ross’s emphasis on understanding the complexities of individual choices and circumstances.
   • His call for empathy and compassion in judging those who have made mistakes.
   • His belief that societal systems and opportunities play a significant role in shaping individual lives.
   • His view on the importance of hearing different perspectives and challenging our own biases.

9. The Value of Resilience and Transformation

   • Ross’s incredible journey of personal growth and transformation.
   • His ability to overcome adversity and find redemption after facing immense challenges.
   • His inspiring story as an example of the human capacity for change and growth.
   • His message of hope and the potential for positive change.

10. The Role of Government and its Impact on Society

    • Ross’s critical perspective on government policies and their impact on the drug trade and crime.
    • The role of government in creating and perpetuating social problems.
    • The importance of holding government accountable for its actions and policies.
    • Ross’s belief in the power of individuals to advocate for change.

11. The Importance of Community and Collective Action

    • Ross’s emphasis on the power of community and collective action.
    • His belief that we are all interconnected and must work together to create positive change.
    • His view on the importance of supporting and uplifting one another.
    • His call for a more just and equitable society.

12. The Power of Storytelling and Sharing Our Experiences

    • Ross’s use of storytelling to connect with others and share his experiences.
    • The importance of sharing our stories to promote understanding and empathy.
    • The power of narratives to shape our understanding of the world and ourselves.
    • Ross’s belief in the power of storytelling to inspire and create change.

13. The Importance of Challenging the Status Quo

    • Ross’s willingness to speak out against injustice and challenge the status quo.
    • His belief in the power of individuals to make a difference.
    • His message of hope and the potential for positive change.
    • His call for a more just and equitable society.

Memorable Quotes from the Podcast

1. “You know, I owe you a lot of the credit man because you really like you kind of set me off you know you know like I don’t know where I would have been had I not get that fucking t-shirt.” – Ross reflects on how an unexpected encounter with Joe Rogan and a t-shirt opportunity changed his life.
2. “But I had all this potential but I had nobody to to to to give me a boost you know to say. And that’s one of the things that I was saying about Lulu House that they’re doing is they got housing for you when people get out of jail they go stay there for a while they give them clothes they feed them because sometimes you need those type of things to to you know my break was you putting on that damn t shirt had I had I not got that break. I don’t know where I would be at right now.” – Ross emphasizes the importance of support systems and second chances for those who have been incarcerated.
3. “It’s better to be good. Yeah it’s better to be good. You know you’re a great story because a lot of people write people off man you know and there’s a lot of people out there in the world that want to think that because someone did something that’s illegal or someone did something that’s bad that makes him a bad person and I think that’s ridiculous and I think you I totally agree. You can’t imagine what it’s like to be someone unless you’ve lived their life. You don’t know the circumstances that they fell into.” – Ross advocates for understanding and compassion, challenging the tendency to judge individuals solely based on their past actions.
4. “I think money is supposed to be put back into the community where the community can rejuvenate and the money circulates into the community. And that makes everything better for everybody. Absolutely. Yeah. You don’t want to be the only one who’s doing well. No. That’s not a good place to be in life.” – Ross shares his philosophy on wealth and social responsibility, emphasizing the importance of investing in communities.
5. “Well, sometimes you have to do the wrong thing in order to be an example of someone who can do the wrong thing and course correct and then become a better person. If you’re just a good person from the beginning, that’s kind of boring. I like a guy who fucks up a few times and then figures it out.” – Ross reflects on the potential for redemption and how personal struggles can inspire others to find their own path to transformation.