Rick Ross Says Gunplay Was Dropped by Distributor, Not MMG — Claims He Didn’t Want to “Break His Heart” [Video]

Rick Ross is responding after Gunplay publicly claimed he was abandoned by the Maybach Music Group boss when his career stalled.

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During a recent livestream, Ross addressed the comments made by his former MMG artist and friend, pushing back on the idea that the label refused to support him. While Ross said he still has love for Gunplay, he claimed the real issue involved a distributor that had already decided to move on.

“And not laughing at my little bro’s situation, because I got nothing but love for him, but the situation you’re talking about, saying wasn’t no budget or nothing like that,” Ross said. “The distributor had done dropped you. They ain’t want nothing to do with you.”

Ross explained that the label avoided delivering harsh news directly, instead encouraging Gunplay to keep working and stay motivated.

“MMG just ain’t give you the bad news. We told you just keep working, just keep grinding. Don’t stop, don’t quit. Yeah, that’s how it go,” he continued. “When they don’t want to spend no money on you, ain’t no more budgets.”

According to Ross, the situation was complicated by a lack of management and industry structure around Gunplay at the time.

“You ain’t have a manager, none of that. So they ain’t tell you. And I ain’t want to break your heart. I want you to keep hustling,” he said. “I always say you’re not breaking from being on top.”

Ross also used the moment to deliver a broader message about longevity and accountability in the music business, telling younger artists to appreciate the work that helped build their careers.

“For young hustlers, I want y’all n***as to just reflect and always remain appreciative of that work that n***as done put in for you,” he said.

Ross ended his remarks with a blunt reminder about perseverance.

“Ain’t no pause buttons on life, my n***a. You can’t pause the hustle.”