(AllHipHop News) Former drug kingpin Freeway Rick Ross is set to tell his life story in a new memoir Freeway Rick Ross: The Untold Autobiography. The book, co-written by journalist and best-selling author Cathy Scott (The Killing of Tupac Shakur, The Murder of Biggie Smalls), will be released June 17th and is now available for pre-order at www.rickrossbook.com.
–
[ALSO READ: EXCLUSIVE: Freeway Rick Ross Issues Statement On Rapper Rick Ross & Authenticity In Hip Hop]
During his run as the head of a nationwide drug enterprise, it is estimated Ross profited nearly $300 million. He was eventually convicted and later released from prison. Ross then began using his voice to speak to young people about the perils of the dope game.
“Ross, his rise to the top, his struggles along the way and his path toward redemption describe the journey of a great man who was able to find his purpose,” states Dr. Boyce Watkins. “So, while others might steal his name and glorify his mistakes, we should take the time to understand his path and realize that both the best and worst of Rick Ross were made in America. I recommend this read for everyone.”
Another part of Freeway Rick Ross’ life will also be told on film later this year. The movie Kill The Messenger, starring Jeremy Renner as investigative journalist Gary Webb, will cover Ross’ involvement in the Iran-Contra scandal that took place during the Ronald Reagan administration. Webb’s original series of articles in the San Jose Mercury News alleged the CIA was complicit in smuggling drugs into the U.S. which effectively ignited the crack-cocaine epidemic of the 1980’s.
Read an excerpt from Freeway Rick Ross: The Untold Autobiography and watch the trailer for Kill The Messenger with Michael K. Williams (The Wire, Boardwalk Empire) as Ross below.