In the wake of yesterday’s news surrounding Reebok ending their endorsement deal with rapper Rick Ross, some have come to the Maybach Music Group founder’s defense. Sharing “the boss” moniker with Rick Ross, Houston, Texas emcee Slim Thug seemingly took umbrage with part of Reebok’s statement, which read: “Reebok holds our partners to a high standard and we expect them to live up to the values of our brand. Unfortunately, Rick Ross has failed to do so.”

The former Star Trak/Geffen Records artist took to Twitter to point out, that prior to what was believed to be lyrics endorsing rape, Rick Ross has always represented himself as a former drug lord-turned-rapper.

Slim Thug, who’s previously worked with Rick Ross, added that he also believes the “U.O.E.N.O.” lyrics aren’t really implying rape:

In 2010, Slim Thug last released Tha Thug Show on eOne Entertainment.

UPDATE: Earl Sweatshirt of Odd Future shared Slim Thug’s sentiments. The Los Angeles, California-based emcee who is currently signed to Columbia Records also tweeted of the fact that Rick Ross has discussed selling drugs long before Reebok agreed to enter such a partnership:

Meanwhile, the group that led last week’s protests, UltraViolet, has come forward to praise Reebok for deciding to sever ties with Rick Ross in their own statement.

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