Rick Ross’ self-proclaimed drug kingpin and gang affiliated
background took another hit today (February 9) as more illuminating documents
made the rounds on the Miami
native’s criminal past.
The Smoking Gun, the same website that initially broke the
story on Ross’ officer background last summer, disclosed a detailed deposition
between Officer Rey Hernandez and Ross attorney Allan Zamren.
The heated discussion revolved around specifics of the
rapper’s January 2008 arrest on marijuana and gun charges, along with inquiries
into his alleged relationship with the infamous Carol City Cartel.
“Why is this case assigned to a gang task force?” Zamren
demanded.
“Because your client claims affiliation with [the] Carol
City Cartel and other known gang members,” Officer Hernandez replied, hinting
at the various songs of Ross alluding to the alleged relationship.
“Do you have anything that shows you he was affiliated with
any gang?” Zamren further questioned. “Or [of] yout own personal knowledge
today?”
“No, I do not,” Hernandez stated.
While both parties in the transcript differ on whether Ross
should face a judge for the charges, both agreed there was no evidence from
reputed members of the Carol City Cartel that Ross had any ties to the
organization.
The Smoking Gun, which argues the Miami
emcee has become delusional with his rap persona, titled the six-page piece
“Rick Ross’s Hood Dreams.”
Rick Ross and newfound rival 50
Cent remain locked in battle of one-upmanship as both seek to drum up support
for their respective forthcoming albums; Deeper
Than Rap (March 24) and Before I
Self-Destruct(tentatively March 2009).
After initially being an
unconventional battle waged mostly outside the booth, both stars have released
diss records in the last few days: 50 Cent with “I’ll Be the Shooter,” and Ross
with “Valley of Death.”
The two albums will be the first
high-profile, mainstream Hip-Hop projects released this year.
At press time, neither Rick Ross
nor his lawyer could be reach for comment.
