“I think I’m Big Meech, Larry Hoover...”

Whether its Big Meech, Larry Hoover, Manuel Noriega, Pablo Escobar, or Frank Lucas, the hip hop culture glamorizes these criminals and their enterprises. While some actually live this “gangster” lifestyle others create fictitious tales in order to solidify their position in hip hop, often times adopting their names to gain further authenticity, i.e. N.O.R.E, Rick Ross, & Nas. But my question is, why would you want to be any of these men, they’re all either in prison serving very lengthy sentences or dead? It’s amazing how the hip hop culture as a whole monopolizes on the lifestyles of drug kingpins and murderers. We’re attracted to the trills and risky existence of organized crime, idolizing Mafiosos and crime kingpins. It can be argued that growing up and any urban environment and triumphing closely chronicles the lives’ of these “gangsters,” however, success in the music industry is suppose to be measured by the ability to sell records yet today being able of tell fantasized and fictional narratives about organized crime and self indulgences seems to be what breeds success. Rappers are making millions of dollars by exploiting these drug lords’ names and images, but is this fair? Is it just to capitalize off the rise & fall of another only to gain success and fame? In any other facile of life this is unacceptable and rappers need to be accountable for their actions or lack of. It is copyright infringement to make money off of a name, image, or text that was not originally yours without permission from the creator.

In recent news, a lawsuit was filed against rapper Rick Ross, real name is William Roberts who adopted his rap name from a well known “American Gangster” by the name of “Freeway Ricky Ross”. The original Ross is claiming that rapper Ross stole his name and image in order to promote and sell millions of records without his consent. Ross is seeking to receive 50% of Roberts’ royalties; in addition Ross was also looking to block the release of Roberts’ upcoming album entitled Teflon Don, however this was overturned. The lawsuit is still pending and the outcome will have a tremendous impact on the hip hop culture. If the original Ross wins this lawsuit it can be expected that plenty of other drug kingpins and their family members will come forth seeking compensation for their unjust exploitation as well. I agree with this 100%, like they say: hit them where it hurts - their pockets. Maybe then will we cease to capitalize off the misfortunes of others, turning real life into some commercial, Hollywood ish.