Rick Ross’ top five rivalries from 50 Cent to Reebok
Rick Ross has always been one of the most boastful rappers in the game. When Wale was having label issues, Ross bragged that he might sign him. Most people laughed this off, then Ross did it. Already, he was having his way in his high profile beef with 50 Cent. Well over a decade later, Ross and his former collaborator, Drake, are having issues. Through the years, Rick Ross has had other rivalries. Some are known, but others might have flown under the radar.
Trick Daddy
Trick Daddy was the most successful solo rapper to come from Miami. He got his start by working with the legendary Uncle Luke, the leader of the 2 Live Crew. However, Trick Daddy got his own deal with Slip-N-Slide Records. Trick embraced Miami Bass and formed a duo with Trina. From 1998, until 2005, they made many hit records together.
Trick Daddy and Rick Ross were label-mates on Slip-N-Slide Records. As a result, the two have countless songs and music videos together. However, when Rick Ross’ history as a correctional officer became headline news, he blamed Trick Daddy. From there, the two exchanged barbs. Despite this, Trick Daddy repeatedly said he never had issues with Ross.
Trick Daddy did have choice words for Rick Ross. However, he said his issues were not with Ross, but with the current music coming out. Eventually, Trick Daddy and Rick Ross both left Slip-N-Slide Records. As Ross continued to elevate, in the rap game, Trick Daddy made a silent exit. In 2015, the two performed together, ending all animosity.
Birdman
Birdman is the infamous mogul, who created Cash Money Records. The label has been home to many of the biggest names in music. Early in the label’s history, Juvenile and B.G. were among their biggest artists. Throughout this duration, Lil Wayne was on the roster. Once he got his time to shine, Wayne became the biggest rapper in the game. After that, he opened the door for Drake and Nicki Minaj.
Birdman oversaw Lil Wayne building Young Money under Cash Money. When Rick Ross was building his Maybach Music roster, Birdman confidently announced they were joining Cash Money. It looked like a done deal, as Birdman brought over DJ Khaled and his We The Best Music Group. For a time, YMCMB looked like a true major label. However, complaints began about unpaid royalties.
Birdman always received a lot of flack for artists not being paid. As a result, artists often ended up calling him out. Rick Ross jumped into this situation, despite being one of Birdman’s collaborators. He dissed him on “Idols Become Rivals,” primarily for DJ Khaled, but he also spoke up for Lil Wayne. Birdman scoffed that it was none of his business. Their issues silently ended, until Birdman took up for Drake.
Gillie Da Kid
Gillie Da Kid is a former Cash Money Records artist. He’s credited for helping Lil Wayne craft his super lyrical style. However, he received no credit, or checks, as Wayne began his ascent to the top of the rap game. As a result, Gillie began dissing Wayne. In 2022, Gillie reignited the feud with Wayne. Like he did with the Birdman situation, Rick Ross stepped in.
Gillie Da Kid called Lil Wayne out and then Rick Ross took on the beef. As a result, Gillie had tons of choice words for Ross. First, he called him a cow. After that, Ross began bragging about all of the money he has. In addition, Ricky Rozay boasted about his 150 acre Georgia estate. To that end, Gillie pointed to his own $100 million podcast deal, but said Rick Ross is a lame and money can’t fix that.
Gillie Da Kid has mostly stayed out of the current round of Rick Ross beefs. Obviously, there’s still no love lost between Gillie and Birdman/Cash Money. Still, there’s an interesting angle with two of his rivals now at odds. With Gillie Da Kid now having the “Million Dollaz Worth of Game” podcast, definitely look for him to have commentary about this there.
Reebok
Rick Ross managed to become the biggest rapper in the game by 2013. In terms of sales, Drake and Lil Wayne sold more. But when it came to appeal among actual rap fans and social media, Rick Ross was fully in control. As a result, Reebok turned to Ross to relaunch their brand. Immediately, he brought relevance back to the shoe company.
Rick Ross launched commercials, further boasting his extravagant lifestyle. Also, he involved his popular artists, Wale and Meek Mill in promos. They appeal to different demographics. In addition, he was working with Swizz Beatz on the project. Due to his popularity, Rocko turned to Ross for a verse on his 2013 single, “U.O.E.N.O.,” where Ross had one very questionable line.
Rick Ross ended up facing major backlash from women’s groups, due to his line. As a result, Ross was forced to apologize. Despite this, there was a major campaign to remove Ross from his businesses and his endorsement deals. This forced Reebok to take a hard line and take Ross’ campaign down. However, he later was reinstated, before the partnership completely dissolved.
50 Cent
50 Cent is considered hip hop’s biggest bully. Even Rick Ross acknowledged this, after he declared himself the winner of their feud. The issues between 50 Cent and Rick Ross date back to 2008, but this part gets overlooked. In 2008, 50 warned Ross about standing too closely to his rivals Fat Joe and DJ Khaled. At the time, Fat Joe was 50’s biggest rival.
50 Cent was fading from relevance, as an artist. Meanwhile, Rick Ross was claiming center stage for himself. He had such records as “The Boss,” featuring T-Pain, cementing his position. A year later, Ross came out of nowhere with “Mafia Music.” Ross claimed he saw 50 Cent at an award show and he looked at him funny. As a result, he dropped this record. Likely, Ross was responding to 50’s 2008 warning.
50 Cent found someone who is just as unwilling to let things go in Rick Ross. In 2012, Fat Joe ended his longstanding feud with 50. As a result, he tried to get Ross to end it. However, another award show incident stopped this from happening. Now, 50 Cent and Rick Ross are lifetime rivals. With this current situation going on with Rick Ross and Drake, 50 Cent is in the back, instigating more.
Rick Ross’ top five rivalries from 50 Cent to Reebok
