That Time I Interviewed the Biggest Drug Dealer Alive

I didn’t know what to expect when I interviewed the 1980’s drug kingpin, Rick Ross. To say I was a bit intimidated is a bit of an understatement. But as I picked up the phone and pressed record, I took a deep breath and reminded myself one thing: “He’s just an ordinary person…” and that is what makes the story so damn interesting.

The Neighborhood Standout

Growing up under the LA freeway in the late 70s, a young Rick Ross didn’t grow up watching rap artists flash bling in his face.

He grew up seeing this instead...

And as a result, he set his sights on becoming a professional tennis player.

Driven to ‘be someone,’ Rick lived up to his reputation of being a ‘square.’

Instead of joining the neighborhood gangs, the young Rick traveled around Los Angeles with his high school tennis team, playing and winning. He dreamed of the days when he’d receive shoe endorsements, and travel out of California. Eventually, he received a tennis scholarship to a local community college, and Rick believed he was on his way…