Rick Ross willing to work with Sha Money XL
Rick Ross Says He Can Put Beef Aside To Work With Former G-Unit Exec, Sha Money XL, at Def Jam
In a surprising but mature move that underscores growth in hip-hop business circles, Rick Ross confirms that he is open to working with newly appointed Def Jam Senior VP of A&R, Sha Money XL. Despite Ross’s long-standing feud with 50 Cent and G-Unit, the rapper makes it clear that personal history will not interfere with professional opportunity.
Rick Ross is proving that he is a businessman, not just a rapper. Via Maybach Music, Ross signed Triple C’s to Def Jam. Not only does he have a record deal, he has a label deal. In addition, Ross is now under the mentorship of Diddy. So, he is prioritizing his business over his personal grievances. With Sha Money XL being a founding member of G-Unit, there’s a lot Ross can learn. He told Vibe he’s more than willing.
Rick Ross Embraces Business Over Beef
Rick Ross, who has been a staple of Def Jam South since 2005, says he has no animosity toward Sha Money XL, even though the executive is closely tied to 50 Cent and the G-Unit movement.
Speaking on the subject, Ross makes his stance clear: “Not at all,” he says when asked if there are any tensions. “You know, this is a huge building. And I’m such a boss, so I could pretty much work with who I decide to work with. But I feel every man has a right to feed his family, so there’s no animosity here.”
The statement signals a major shift in hip-hop’s ongoing battles, suggesting that mutual respect and corporate goals are taking precedence over personal vendettas. With Rick Ross focused on releasing his upcoming album, Teflon Don, and maintaining his stronghold in the game, collaborating with Sha Money XL could open new creative and strategic lanes.
Sha Money XL Focuses on Unity at Def Jam
Sha Money XL has a long history with G-Unit. So, he played a pivotal role in building 50 Cent’s early success. But now, with his position at Def Jam, he’s putting personal affiliations aside in favor of collective growth.
“I support every artist on the label,” Sha tells SOHH. “I had conversations with 50 about that and we even spoke on if I had to find Rick Ross a hit and I had one, it wouldn’t be for me to not give it to him. I support everybody on this label, I want everybody to win.”
For Sha, it’s about elevating the entire Def Jam roster. “The company makes money and we all make money and we all grow, so, it’s not about holding somebody back… I work for this company so everybody needs to win because I’m on a team,” he adds.
Tensions with G-Unit Don’t Extend to Sha Money XL
Rick Ross’s feud with 50 Cent and G-Unit began in 2008. Afterward, escalating into one of the most public and intense beefs in recent hip-hop memory. Lloyd Banks even claimed that G-Unit would run Ross out of Def Jam. However, Ross clarifies that Sha Money XL was never part of the issue.
“His issue was never with Sha Money to begin with,” reports confirm. “His feud started with 50 Cent, but the rest of G-Unit, sans Sha Money, jumped into the issue.”
Ross adds, “When it comes to the money, I am more than willing to work with Sha Money XL at Def Jam.”
A New Era at Def Jam
Sha Money XL’s role at Def Jam signifies a broader move to reinvigorate the label following the departure of several marquee names. His aim is to bridge East Coast and Southern artists under one banner and maximize the label’s output. In a recent interview, Sha hinted at the possibility of bringing 50 Cent and Lloyd Banks over to Def Jam.
“I spoke to Fif, to [his manager Chris] Lighty. I would love to see [G-Unit] there… Banks has an amazing record right now, independently. If things work out, then yeah, I would love to see that happen,” he tells MTV.
Such a move could turn Def Jam into one of the most diverse powerhouses in hip-hop again. Thus, covering multiple regions. Additionally, uniting former rivals under a business-first philosophy.
Rick Ross on Delaying Teflon Don
Meanwhile, Rick Ross is focused on the rollout for his much-anticipated album Teflon Don, which has been delayed for strategic reasons. Originally slated for June 29th, the album now targets an early-to-mid July release.
“It was a real good move,” Ross says. “I felt like the June 29th was a little too premature, that was the date my homie Diddy was coming out on anyway. And you know that’s the homie, so I felt like coming in the early July, middle July was best for me from day one.”
Ross stresses the importance of laying the groundwork properly: “As long as you’re setting up all your pieces in the right place—radio, marketing, everything else comes together when you got hits.”
Bridging the Gap Between Rival Camps
The hip-hop world is watching closely as potential collaboration between Ross and Sha Money XL at Def Jam could set a precedent. If successful, it would demonstrate that even the most heated beefs can be left behind in the name of growth and evolution. This would mark a dramatic shift in the game.
Neither party has confirmed a direct collaboration in the works. However, both have expressed openness to working together if the right opportunity arises.Teflon Don is on the horizon. Meanwhile, Def Jam is seeking to rebuild its empire. So, that opportunity could come sooner rather than later.
The Bottom Line
Rick Ross and Sha Money XL represent two powerhouses in hip-hop. Both are determined to move beyond old drama and put business first. Def Jam is entering a new chapter. So, the possibility of these two working together not only excites fans but sends a message to the culture: professionalism wins.
Whether or not the collaboration materializes, both men’s attitudes signal a mature shift in an industry that often thrives on conflict. And if Teflon Don lives up to expectations, Ross will prove once again why he belongs at the top of the Def Jam roster. That’s regardless of who’s sitting in the executive suite. Thus, a win for both sides. Above all, a win doe Def Jam.