“Freeway” Rick Ross at Barnes & Noble The Grove on September 12, 2023, in Los Angeles, California (Photo Credit: Jarrod Williams | Getty Images)
“Freeway” Rick Ross, who was once a crack cocaine kingpin, is an author and former convict. Ross ran a drug empire in South Central Los Angeles in the 1980s and 90s and also served time in prison following a 1996 conviction. The conviction came after police caught him conspiring to buy over 100 kilograms of cocaine from an informant. He received a life sentence without parole, but a federal appeals court reduced his sentence.
Former drug lord “Freeway” Rick Ross was released early from prison. He then turned his life and experience into a lesson for others and began advocating against drugs. He studied literature and other subjects while serving his sentence in prison. Eventually, he used these learnings to write an autobiography, Freeway Rick Ross: The Untold Autobiography, alongside journalist Cathy Scott.
Ross’ official Instagram claims he is a prison reform activist and author. He has co-authored several books, including Investing in Yourself with Mychosia Nightingale and 21 Keys of Success with Kolie Crutcher.
When was “Freeway” Rick Ross released from prison?
According to the Los Angeles Times, “Freeway” Rick Ross served several years in prison before his 2009 release on parole. His conviction came after his arrest in 1995 when police set him up through informant Oscar Danilo Blandón, who was also a smuggler. The drug lord was conspiring to purchase over 100 kilograms of cocaine. He stood trial in San Diego the following years, which resulted in his conviction and landed him in prison for life without the possibility of parole.
NPR reported that since his release Ross has started a couple of businesses and become an acclaimed author. Los Angeles Magazine noted these businesses include a trucking company, rehabbing distressed properties, Freeway Fast Tax Service, and a venture of selling human hair. Subsequently, the former convict began advocating for marijuana. He started selling licensed marijuana in Los Angeles for adult use in 2019, per Detroit Metro Times.
The outlet stated that the former drug lord talked about his past in his book Freeway Rick Ross: The Untold Autobiography. He published the book in 2014. In it, he mentioned buying cocaine for the first time in 1979. He purchased it for $50 and sold it for $100 the next day. In the following years, Ross built a billion-dollar business empire for himself. In three years’ time, he was a millionaire.
Reportedly, “Freeway” Rick Ross began advocating against drugs following his release. He went on tours, gave speeches, and spread awareness among young people, especially about his past in drug trade. He later began selling marijuana legally and co-authored books. The ex-convict also worked with NDICA in California, Illinois, and Michigan. This was his attempt at helping people of color make money through the cannabis industry.
Talking about marijuana, Ross said in an interview, “I didn’t pay much attention to the cannabis industry because I was on parole.” The former drug lord claimed his friend invited him to a cannabis event when he witnessed the industry’s growth. He added, “When I went to that event, most of the people who were there were white guys and they had wads of money.” That’s when he realised, “this is where I need to be.”
As part of reinventing himself after his release, “Freeway” Rick Ross has helped people with criminal backgrounds expunge their records. The former convicted drug trafficker also advocated for comprehensive legislation to make expungement easier for ex-convicts like him.
Besides his autobiography, Ross’ life as a drug lord and crack cocaine kingpin has been the focus of multiple documentaries. Al Jazeera America Presents: Freeway: Crack in the System is one such documentary.
“Freeway” Rick Ross was born in Texas in early 1960, and three years later, his family moved to Los Angeles. They started living near the 110 Freeway in South Central Los Angeles. He got his nickname from the area where he lived, reported All Thats Interesting. Ross continues to live in Los Angeles.
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