Rick Ross, also known as William Leonard Roberts II, is a popular rapper, songwriter, and entrepreneur. He has sold millions of records and has collaborated with various artists in the music industry. However, Ross's career in the music industry was not without controversy. One of the most significant controversies that he faced was the rumor that he was a correctional officer before he became a rapper.

The Controversy

The rumor started circulating in 2008 when a photo of Ross in a correctional officer's uniform appeared online. The photo sparked a debate among his fans and critics, with many questioning his credibility as a rapper. The idea that a rapper who glorifies a criminal lifestyle could have worked as a correctional officer seemed contradictory to some.

Ross initially denied the rumor, claiming that the photo was doctored. However, later, he admitted that he had worked as a correctional officer for about 18 months before he became a rapper. In an interview with MTV News, Ross stated that he did the job to support his family.

The Truth Behind It

According to Ross, he worked as a correctional officer in the early 1990s. He stated that he was a young man at the time, and the job was a means to an end. Ross claimed that he had always been interested in music, but he needed a steady income to support his family.

Ross's admission of his past as a correctional officer was met with mixed reactions. Some fans and critics saw it as a sign of weakness, while others applauded him for being honest. Ross's explanation that he did the job to support his family was seen as reasonable by some, while others questioned his authenticity as a rapper.

Question and Answer

Q: Did Rick Ross work as a correctional officer?

A: Yes, Rick Ross worked as a correctional officer for about 18 months in the early 1990s.

Why did Rick Ross work as a correctional officer?

Ross worked as a correctional officer to support his family. According to him, he had always been interested in music, but he needed a steady income to provide for his loved ones.

Did Rick Ross lie about his past as a correctional officer?

Ross initially denied the rumor that he worked as a correctional officer, claiming that the photo was doctored. However, he later admitted that he had worked as a correctional officer for about 18 months before he became a rapper.

Response of People Who Know Rick Ross as Correctional Officer

Ross's admission of his past as a correctional officer received mixed reactions from his fans and critics. Some saw it as a sign of weakness, questioning his credibility as a rapper. Others applauded him for being honest and transparent.

Many people who knew Ross as a correctional officer spoke positively about him. In an interview with Vibe Magazine, a former colleague of Ross described him as a "cool dude" who was respected by his peers. The colleague stated that Ross was a dedicated correctional officer who took his job seriously.

Another former colleague of Ross, who wished to remain anonymous, described him as a "good officer" who was well-liked by the inmates. The colleague stated that Ross treated the inmates with respect and fairness.

Summary Table

Conclusion

The controversy surrounding Rick Ross's past as a correctional officer was a significant moment in his career. The rumor that he worked as a correctional officer before he became a rapper sparked a debate among his fans and critics. Ross's initial denial of the rumor and his later admission of the truth received mixed reactions from people.

However, it is essential to note that Ross's past as a correctional officer does not diminish his accomplishments as a rapper and entrepreneur. His honesty about his past and his dedication to his job as a correctional officer should be commended. Ultimately, the controversy surrounding Ross's past as a correctional officer should serve as a reminder that people can have complex and multifaceted lives.