H Ryda – “Tupac Back” (Rick Ross diss)

H Ryda Drops “Tupac Back” Freestyle, Taking Aim at Rick Ross

H Ryda, a longtime affiliate of Tupac Shakur’s Thug Life movement and the Outlawz, has officially released the music video for his freestyle over Rick Ross and Meek Mill’s hit single, “Tupac Back.” However, rather than a straightforward tribute, H Ryda flips the song into a scathing diss track aimed directly at Rick Ross, questioning the rapper’s credibility and right to invoke Tupac’s name.

The video is far from a traditional freestyle clip. Instead, H Ryda crafts a cinematic experience, integrating the Otis Redding “Try A Little Tenderness” sample that Jay-Z and Kanye West recently used for their track “Otis.” More notably, the visual features Freeway Ricky Ross—the former drug kingpin from whom Rick Ross took his rap name—standing alongside H Ryda throughout the video. This move alone underscores the authenticity H Ryda aims to present, drawing a stark contrast between Rick Ross’ persona and the real figures from the streets who lived the life he raps about.

H Ryda’s Background in the Outlawz Movement

Before diving into the diss track itself, it’s crucial to understand H Ryda’s background and why his words carry weight in the ongoing debate over hip-hop authenticity. Born Hassachi Ryda, the rapper was deeply connected to Tupac’s inner circle. Thus, growing up around both Pac and Thug Life member Big Syke. His career was shaped by these influences, and after Tupac’s tragic death in 1996, he continued carrying the torch. As a result, working closely with the Outlawz.

In the years following Tupac’s death, H Ryda contributed to various Outlawz projects, including appearing on Ride Wit Us Or Collide Wit Us and Thug Law Volume 1. His track “Don’t Make Me” alongside New Jersey rapper Muszamil was a key moment in his rise. Additionally, he and Muszamil later formed the group Tha Youth. Therefore, further cementing his role in preserving the Outlawz legacy. His debut album set for release later this year. So, H Ryda hopes to reassert his position as a voice of authenticity in the rap game.

Breaking Down the “Tupac Back” Diss

While “Tupac Back” was initially released by Rick Ross and Meek Mill as a tribute to Tupac’s legacy, H Ryda takes issue with the MMG boss’s decision to co-opt the legend’s name. In his freestyle, he goes beyond lyrical jabs, making it clear that he sees Ross as nothing more than an industry-made character who has no right to associate himself with Pac’s name.

The track opens with a direct callout:

“William Leonard Roberts, you need to stop it…”

Here, H Ryda wastes no time in addressing Ross by his real name, stripping away the rapper’s carefully curated persona. By referring to him by his government name, he’s emphasizing that Ross’ entire identity in hip-hop is a facade.

Another pointed line goes straight at Ross’ law enforcement past:

“I’m just saying, Officer Ricky…”

This is a reference to the widely circulated allegations that Rick Ross previously worked as a corrections officer before his rap career took off. The “Officer Ricky” moniker has been used by several of Ross’ critics, including 50 Cent, to discredit his street credibility. H Ryda revives this insult, doubling down on the accusation that Ross built his career off a fabricated past.

Furthermore, the video prominently features Freeway Ricky Ross, the real-life figure after whom Rick Ross named himself. The presence of the original Rick Ross alongside H Ryda serves as a symbolic rebuke to the MMG rapper, suggesting that the real figures from the streets do not endorse the persona he portrays.

The Cinematic Visuals and Symbolism

H Ryda’s “Tupac Back” video is not just about the lyrics—it’s about the imagery and message conveyed throughout the visual presentation. The choice to start the video with the same sample used in Jay-Z and Kanye West’s “Otis” serves as a subtle nod to the idea of reclaiming authenticity in hip-hop.

Additionally, the video includes scenes of H Ryda and Freeway Ricky Ross in Los Angeles. Therefore, further connecting to Tupac’s history and the site of his tragic murder. The video’s raw, street-level aesthetic stands in contrast to the polished luxury often associated with Rick Ross’ visuals. Thus, reinforcing the theme of real versus fabricated street credibility.

The Legacy of “Tupac Back” and H Ryda’s Challenge to Rick Ross

H Ryda’s “Tupac Back” freestyle is just the latest in a series of responses to Rick Ross’ use of Tupac’s name. While many rappers have jumped on the instrumental to pay tribute to fallen legends—including Joell Ortiz’s “Big Pun Back” and Maino’s “Biggie Back”—H Ryda’s approach is different. He’s not just using the track to honor Tupac; he’s using it to call out what he sees as an industry-wide trend of co-opting Pac’s legacy for personal gain. As a result, he’s taking matters into his own hands.

The timing of this release is also significant. Currently, hip-hop authenticity is constantly being debated. So, H Ryda’s diss reinforces a long-standing conversation about the line between paying homage and exploiting a legacy. The fact that Freeway Ricky Ross co-signs the video only strengthens H Ryda’s case. Therefore, presenting a united front against what they see as fraudulent representation in the rap game.

The Response from the Hip-Hop Community

It remains to be seen whether Rick Ross will respond directly to H Ryda’s diss. However, given Ross’ history of brushing off criticism related to his past, it’s possible he may choose to ignore it altogether. Regardless, H Ryda’s video has sparked a conversation among hip-hop fans about the nature of authenticity in the industry.

The Outlawz have always been vocal about protecting Tupac’s legacy. So, with this latest release, H Ryda is making it clear that he will not stand by while industry figures use Pac’s name without truly understanding or representing what he stood for.

Final Thoughts

With “Tupac Back,” H Ryda is not just delivering a freestyle—he’s making a statement. His diss track against Rick Ross serves as both a personal challenge and a broader critique of hip-hop’s tendency to romanticize street life without truly living it.

By including Freeway Ricky Ross in the video, H Ryda underscores his message in a way that words alone could not. Whether or not Ross chooses to respond, the video stands as a reminder that hip-hop, at its core, is about more than just music—it’s about authenticity, respect, and the preservation of legacies that deserve more than just a name-drop in a song.