Rick Ross talks Lil Wayne vs. Jay-Z and "God Forgives, I Don’t" [VIDEO]
Rick Ross Weighs in on Lil Wayne and Jay-Z’s Lyrical Exchange
Rick Ross is having a massive year. With his God Forgives, I Don’t album on the horizon and Maybach Music Group rapidly rising, the Miami mogul continues to stay at the forefront of conversation. Today, he adds even more fuel to the fire with his latest sit-down with DJ Absolut, where he touches on everything from his current favorite rappers to the highly discussed back-and-forth between Lil Wayne and Jay-Z.
The conversation is casual but charged, capturing a pivotal moment in hip-hop as two giants—Wayne and Jay—appear to be taking subliminal (and not-so-subliminal) shots at each other. DJ Absolut wastes no time asking Rick Ross for his thoughts.
No Sides Taken: Ross Stays Switzerland in a Rap Cold War
When asked how he feels about the situation brewing between Lil Wayne and Jay-Z, Ross keeps it neutral. “I put no input in it really,” he says. “Those are both of my homies. I’m fans of both of them. They’re both super rich. I ain’t trippin’.”
His tone is relaxed, yet deliberate. Ross isn’t trying to play referee or stoke flames. Instead, he’s focused on keeping his own momentum going while respecting the legacies of both emcees.
“I don’t really get into the better MC,” Ross continues. “It’s just about accomplishing whatever it is you want to accomplish. And both of those dudes, I’m pretty sure did that.”
For Ross, this isn’t about taking sides. It’s about keeping his eye on the prize: building Maybach Music Group into a dominant empire while dropping some of the most anticipated music of the year.
What’s Going On Behind the Wayne vs. Jay Exchange
This moment doesn’t come out of nowhere. The rap community has been buzzing for weeks since Lil Wayne dropped a verse on “It’s Good,” where he seemingly throws shots at Jay-Z with the line: “I got your baby money / Kidnap your bitch, get that how much you love your lady money.”
It’s widely interpreted as a response to Jay-Z’s bar on “H.A.M.” from Watch The Throne, where he raps: “I’m like really half a billi nigga / Really you got baby money.”
Jay, for his part, downplayed the friction in a recent MTV interview, framing it as standard fare in rap. “That’s sport, that’s rap music,” he said. “Nothing is going to change but the participants.”
Pusha T added his own commentary, praising both lines but suggesting that Jay’s verse felt more genuine. “I felt like that was coming from the heart,” Pusha told Hot 97. “Like he really, really feels like that.”
Rick Ross’ Top Five Right Now: Loyalty First
Before DJ Absolut gets into the rap beef, he starts by asking Ross who his top five favorite rappers are at the moment. Without hesitation, Ross dives in—and it’s clear that loyalty is driving his list.
“Styles P,” he starts. “MC’s Master of Ceremonies is in stores now. Go get that—you know I’m on that.”
Then come the MMG soldiers: “Stalley… Gunplay… Meek Mill… Wale.” It’s a full-on Maybach Music lineup, and Ross proudly stands by each one of them.
When pressed for a list outside his camp, Ross shows love across the board. “I’m on the road with Wayne… Drizzy my homie… Wiz Khalifa’s doing his thing… of course Hov, Ye…”
Ross emphasizes that he’s tuned into anyone pushing the culture forward. “I’m pretty much a fan of everybody that’s just bringing something new to the table,” he says. “If I see it, I’m clicking.”
“God Forgives, I Don’t” and the Business of Legacy
It’s no secret Ross is in album mode. God Forgives, I Don’t is due December 13, and it’s poised to be his most cinematic work yet. With the groundwork laid by Teflon Don, Rozay is pushing further into the realm of high-level rap opulence. From his collaborations with Kanye West to the rumored joint EP with Diddy, the MMG CEO is expanding on all fronts.
And it doesn’t stop there. Wale’s Ambition is dropping on November 1, and Ross is doubling down on his team’s success.
“Just making sure I accomplish what we set out to accomplish as a team,” he says. That’s the energy Ross brings to this interview—a leader with his eye on the long game, even as headlines swirl around him.
Competitive Spirit vs. Disrespect
While Ross won’t choose sides, he doesn’t dismiss the idea of lyrical competition. In fact, when Bow Wow recently commented on the situation, he drew a comparison to elite sports.
“Sometimes you might have to man up and go for the gold,” Bow said. “You have two giants going at each other… if you’re gonna do it, then do it.”
Ross doesn’t oppose the competitive spirit—he simply refrains from turning competition into division. His tone is calm, but the message is clear: real bosses don’t need to stir controversy to stay relevant.
The Bigger Picture: Building MMG and Shaping the Culture
Ross has a lot to gain from staying above the fray. With MMG’s roster heating up—Meek Mill’s freestyles making noise, Wale’s singles catching fire, and Stalley carving a niche—there’s no need for unnecessary distractions.
As a label boss, Ross is betting on more than himself. He’s doubling down on teamwork, loyalty, and artist development—elements that many of today’s labels overlook in favor of quick hits and clout.
When he mentions his focus on what “we set out to accomplish as a team,” you can hear the executive mindset kicking in. For Ross, it’s never just about the bars—it’s about the business.
Conclusion: Ross Plays It Smart, Not Safe
In a climate where artists are often asked to pick a side, Rick Ross is playing it smart. He’s showing love to his peers without feeding into the hype. He’s plugging his artists while giving props across the board. And he’s staying focused on what’s next—God Forgives, I Don’t, Ambition, and the legacy of MMG.
While Wayne and Jay-Z’s lyrical jabs spark headlines, Ross is quietly stacking wins.
And if there’s anything to take away from this DJ Absolut interview, it’s that Rick Ross isn’t just the boss—he’s the blueprint for staying relevant without being reckless.