Freeway Ricky Ross

ABOUT FREEWAY RICKY ROSS

Freeway Ricky Ross – A Life Rewritten: From Kingpin to Changemaker

Ricky Donnell Ross, known to the world as Freeway Rick Ross, is one of the most compelling figures in modern American history. Once labeled the "King of Crack" by the media, Ross’s rise, fall, and remarkable transformation offer a rare and powerful testimony of redemption, resilience, and community reinvestment.

A former All-City tennis star from South Central Los Angeles, Ross dropped out of high school due to illiteracy and the lack of access to opportunities. What began as survival turned into an empire, as Ross quickly became one of the most prolific drug traffickers in the United States during the 1980s. His operations, which made millions weekly, were later revealed to be tied to the infamous Iran-Contra affair, in which cocaine was funneled into inner cities to fund covert foreign wars.

These revelations came to light through investigative journalist Gary Webb in the San Jose Mercury News, forever altering public understanding of the war on drugs.

Despite being sentenced to life in federal prison, Ross used his time behind bars to educate himself. He learned to read and write at the age of 28, studied law, and successfully filed an appeal that led to his early release after serving over 20 years. In prison, he not only reinvented himself but committed to using his experience to educate and uplift others.

Since his release, Ross has become a prominent public speaker, entrepreneur, and advocate for literacy, economic empowerment, and social equity. He frequently speaks at high schools, universities, prisons, and community events, using his story as a tool to steer others away from crime and toward purpose. He currently teaches in Watts, California, and mentors young people across the country.

Ross’s literary works include the best-selling autobiography Freeway Rick Ross: The Untold Autobiography, co-authored with Cathy Scott, which provides a raw, unfiltered look at his life in and out of the drug world. He also co-authored Riding with Rick: The 21 Keys of Success with Kolie Crutcher, a motivational blueprint for overcoming adversity and building a legacy from the ground up.

Ross has been featured in major documentaries including VH1’s Planet Rock: The Story of Crack and Hip Hop, BET’s American Gangster, and the Emmy-nominated Freeway: Crack in the System, which premiered on Al Jazeera and was later released on Netflix.

In addition to his media presence, Ross is an active force in the cannabis industry. He serves on the board of NDICA (National Diversity & Inclusion Cannabis Alliance), an organization focused on creating equitable opportunities in the billion-dollar cannabis market for people of color. In January 2024, he opened Freeway Ricky’s, his first cannabis dispensary, in Sun Valley, California—symbolically launched on his birthday.

Ross is also breaking ground in the boxing world through Team Freeway Boxing, serving as a mentor and advisor to promising fighters, creating opportunities for young athletes to succeed without falling victim to the same systemic traps he once faced.

Now based in Long Beach, California with his wife and children, Freeway Rick Ross is not just a symbol of redemption, but a living, breathing blueprint for transformation. His mission is clear: educate the underserved, empower the overlooked, and rewrite the narrative for generations to come.

PRESS & MEDIA FEATURES

The New York Times – "From Drug Kingpin to Urban Messenger"
The Joe Rogan Experience – Guest Interview
NPR – "Changing the Narrative: Freeway Ricky Ross on Redemption and Reform"
VICE News – Featured in documentary on the drug war
The Breakfast Club – In-depth interview on rebuilding his life
BET – Documentary feature on hip-hop and real-life influence
ABC7 Los Angeles – Community spotlight for Team Freeway Boxing
Politico – Discussion on systemic injustice and drug policy reform

Full media archive available upon request.

SPEAKING TOPICS & PANEL EXPERTISE

Redemption and Second Chances
The Real History of the Drug War in America
Entrepreneurship from the Inside Out
Youth Empowerment and Mentorship
Building Economic Freedom in Black and Brown Communities
The Role of Media in Shaping Public Perception
From the Streets to the Stage: Owning Your Narrative

Available for keynote speeches, panels, campus events, podcasts, and community forums.

PRODUCTS & INITIATIVES

Freeway Rick Ross: The Untold Autobiography

Available at freewayrickyross.com

Team Freeway Boxing

A mentorship and training program for inner-city youth that uses boxing as a vehicle to build discipline, focus, and personal growth.

Freeway TV (YouTube Channel)

Conversations, interviews, and original commentary on the music industry, business, and street culture.
🔗 YouTube.com/@FreewayRickyRoss1

SOCIAL MEDIA

PHOTOS & BRAND ASSETS

Download Here

SERVICES AVAILABLE

Public Speaking & Panels
Book Signings & Readings
Mentorship & Youth Engagement
Media Interviews & Appearances
Documentary & Film Collaborations
Brand Partnerships & Endorsements
Business Consulting for Entrepreneurs

📞 CONTACT

Press & Booking Inquiries:
Gigi Nevarez PR
📧 contact@giginevarezpr.com
🌐 www.giginevarezpr.com