Rick Ross may have lost his Reebok deal over all that "U.O.E.N.O." lyric controversy, but he's still supporting the brand and rocking his Reeboks, so he says in a new interview, "I'm still supporting Reebok. I'm still wearing Reebok. It's nothing more than that. I've been wearing Reebok my whole life...Still got nothing but love for Reebok."
In a quick interview with the Associated Press Rozay talks about the deal which went sour, as well as getting some life lessons from Jay Z. Check out excerpts from the interview below. Rick Ross is gearing up for a new album, Mastermind, which he'll be taking on the road in November.
AP: What did you learn from your setback with Reebok?
Ross: You live and you learn. I think the most unfortunate thing about the whole situation was just the fact that my lyrics offended some ladies, especially dealing with the topic of rape. It was interpreted as rape. I really wanted to make sure that I apologize to any woman that I offended in that way. I just wanted to make that clear. When I make music and I'm talking on records, it's like I'm painting a picture. In my mind, I'm seeing a film. I apologize.
AP: How did the women close to you feel about the situation?
Ross: They know where I stand as far as women. They know the level of respect I have for women. With my mother being the most beautiful woman in the world, she knows where I'm coming from.
AP: Jay-Z has supported you since he signed you to Def Jam in 2006. How has he helped you through your maturation?
Ross: He's been a part of pretty much every project I've put together as a solo artist. He's always been there any time I've made a call. It's just an array of things I've learned from him outside of music, like handling business and money. ...I come from down South where I want the music, bass and the beats that shake the walls. Hov talked to me about performing (and) what live music brings to the table.