Freeway Ricky Ross Targets Jay-Z, Rick Ross & Def Jam in Lawsuit

Hip Hop | hiphopucit | June 23, 2010 at 8:52 am

Former drug kingpin Freeway Ricky Ross has officially filed a lawsuit against Miami-based rapper Rick Ross.

In the trademark infringement lawsuit that was filed with California Federal Court this past Friday (June 18), Freeway accuses Ross of stealing his name, image and likeness to get street credibility and to establish a successful rap career.

The legal documents were accompanied by a temporary restraining order for preliminary and permanent injunction relief to block the release of Ross’ forthcoming album Teflon Don.

Rapper Jay-Z, Maybach Music Group, Slip-N-Slide Records and UMG Recordings are also named in the lawsuit as defendants.

Freeway warned the southern rapper and his record label about the lawsuit earlier this year when he talked to XXL. According to him, the rapper sharing his name has led to confusion and he is tired of having to explain to people who he is.

“I just want my name back. I don’t want to have to be ‘the real Rick Ross.’ When I go places I have to explain to people that I am the real one because Def Jam has put him on TV and now people recognize him. It causes a conflict,” he explained. “It ain’t really against William Roberts [Rick Ross] you know what I’m saying?”