I’m receiving nothing but love and support since I’ve been out. The support has been pouring in from the streets, the community, N.B.A. stars, professional boxers, rappers and the entire Hip-Hop family. It has actually been so overwhelming, but I’m taking it all in. While incarcerated I read over 300 books, elevated my spirit, and strengthened my mind. Prison taught me patience.
After being on lock for so long, one can become institutionalized. Sometimes to survive in prison, one must become the prison. But when making the transition to civilian, you must become reprogrammed. Just like a computer, you must input the information or software onto your hard drive - then you have to become familiar with the operation of this new information and make it work to your advantage. Without being properly prepared for the outside while still inside can cause anxiety for a future which can be frightening.
That revolving door which is so commonly spoken of in reference to recently released inmates or parolees can be eliminated with proper preparation, education, and awareness. I’ve often heard elders saying, “you gotta use what you’ve got to get what you want.” In prison I had accesses to the library. I read everything that would help me in the direction in which I was going. I decided that I was the master of my own destiny and solely in control of my fate and future. Life is a blank book in which you are the author. Write what you wish. The calm man, having learned how to govern himself, knows how to adapt himself to others.
There are several books I personally recommend that can begin to point you in the right direction;
1. As A Man thinketh by James Allen
2. The Richest Man in Babylon by George S. Clason
3. Think And Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill.
Read any business orientated books you can get your hands on. You must begin to create a new self. Do not expect to create a new self once exiting prison - the transition must begin before you exit. The halfway house is not designed for your rehabilitation nor re-assimilation back into society, the halfway house can be a stressful situation just like prison: they keep tabs on you, monitor you whereabouts, and seem to shadow your every move. The food is actually better in prison. You can’t let that distract you from your goals.
Even from the halfway house, I’ve been in meetings with the presidents of Universal, Sony Pictures, and others. We at Freeway Enterprise are currently in negotiations with UMG about a record label deal. Right now, were accepting material from Rap and R&B, to Blues, Gospel and Pop. Be on the lookout for my upcoming movie by Taylor and Ross, and my new show. Even though I haven’t been out long I’ve made the most of my time.
Life is going good for me. I’m taking my time learning this new technology as I navigate through this dot com world. Set your own pace, and run your own race on your own terms.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Note to the readers
Rick hasn't been able to blog from the halfway house due to B.O.P. restrictions, but he will be back soon!
Freeway Rick is a free man!!
South Los Angeles (myFOXla.com) - Freeway Ricky Ross was a 1980s drug kingpin who became a multi-millionaire urban legend in Los Angeles. So much so that a rapper took his name and parlayed that into a career as a music star.
The real Rick Ross spent 20 years in prison for his crimes... but now that he's a free man, he's got big plans for the future.
Ross sat down with FOX 11's Chris Blatchford after his prison release to talk about the past, present and future.
(Click here to read...)
The real Rick Ross spent 20 years in prison for his crimes... but now that he's a free man, he's got big plans for the future.
Ross sat down with FOX 11's Chris Blatchford after his prison release to talk about the past, present and future.
(Click here to read...)
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Swine Flu
I guess you guys heard about the Swine Flu. If it's not one thing, it's another. Now where did this come from? Say quite a few people died, and quite a few more are in intensive care. We had a town-hall meeting about it today; told us not to worry, they will treat it just like a common cold. And if they do, I bet a lot more people will die... they usually prescribe us water and rest. Well, I hope everyone out there stays safe. Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze, whatever it is, we don't need to spread it. I will be seeing you all soon. Can't wait to get my freedom. Haven't slept well in the last couple nights. I will try to do better tonight. $FWE$
Saturday, April 25, 2009
May 4!
Just got word that May 4th, "I get my freedom back!!" I am too excited. What am I going to do?
$FWE$
$FWE$
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Real Talk with G Status
Triple R: How is everybody doing? I want to introduce you all to my new writing partner G Status A.K.A. Erroll Sheperd.
G: What's up you all, nice to meet everybody. This is my first time blogging but my book with Rick Ross isn't my first, I have a fiction street lit book that is going to be released in July entitled, "Pedal to the Metal", so be on the look out.
Triple R: G Status and I are from the same background and street of L.A., and we take our children's situation seriously. I believe in the theory that an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure. With that said, this is what we were talking about at lunch today. The Warden makes 150 thousand dollars a year for baby sitting grown men, and rehabilitation has been thrown out the door. G Status you been down quite awhile in the Bureau of Prison, what's your take on the subject?
G: Well Rick, like you said, I have been down quite awhile, and I've seen some of the pettiest, insecure, childish, rude, and inconsiderate staff members with rank ranging from correctonal officers to Wardens who take their power and authority and use it on prisoners (that are mainly non-violent) to vent their personal hang-ups, misconceptions, and stereotypes. Rick, the judge sentenced each and every one of us to a certain amount of time, he didn't sentence us to do this time to be subjected to harsh and silly treatment from various staff members.
Triple R: I totally agree. I think the main problem with a lot of these officers, outside their jealousy and envy is the fact that they've never been trained.
G: As a matter of fact, the same test that a garbage man took to be a garbage man is the same equivalance to the test that a correctional officer takes to work in law enforcement.
Triple R: G Status, I didn't know that, but you left out passing their first U.A. and not coming to work drunk during their initial orientation.
G: That's real, Rick, but how do we as convicts who are about to be ex-convicts very soon fix the relationship between staff and prisoners?
Triple R: I think that we should understand that we all should be working towards the same goals to help each person become a law abiding citizen.
G: I feel that, Rick, but I like that theory of yours a lot more, where you said an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure. I personaly don't think that there is a cure. There will never be an accurate way to hire the right people, or will there ever be a way to change the hearts, hidden agendas, and ulterior motives of men. We should set up some type of way to keep our children from becoming victims of circumstances so that they won't fall victim to these perverted law enforcement agencies just like the book we wrote, Rick, which also happens to be entitled 'Victim of Circumstances."
Triple R: What it all boils down to G status is in the end we are all going to have to respect each other, and show each other love.
Contact infomation on G Status: Erroll Shepherd #04296-089
G: What's up you all, nice to meet everybody. This is my first time blogging but my book with Rick Ross isn't my first, I have a fiction street lit book that is going to be released in July entitled, "Pedal to the Metal", so be on the look out.
Triple R: G Status and I are from the same background and street of L.A., and we take our children's situation seriously. I believe in the theory that an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure. With that said, this is what we were talking about at lunch today. The Warden makes 150 thousand dollars a year for baby sitting grown men, and rehabilitation has been thrown out the door. G Status you been down quite awhile in the Bureau of Prison, what's your take on the subject?
G: Well Rick, like you said, I have been down quite awhile, and I've seen some of the pettiest, insecure, childish, rude, and inconsiderate staff members with rank ranging from correctonal officers to Wardens who take their power and authority and use it on prisoners (that are mainly non-violent) to vent their personal hang-ups, misconceptions, and stereotypes. Rick, the judge sentenced each and every one of us to a certain amount of time, he didn't sentence us to do this time to be subjected to harsh and silly treatment from various staff members.
Triple R: I totally agree. I think the main problem with a lot of these officers, outside their jealousy and envy is the fact that they've never been trained.
G: As a matter of fact, the same test that a garbage man took to be a garbage man is the same equivalance to the test that a correctional officer takes to work in law enforcement.
Triple R: G Status, I didn't know that, but you left out passing their first U.A. and not coming to work drunk during their initial orientation.
G: That's real, Rick, but how do we as convicts who are about to be ex-convicts very soon fix the relationship between staff and prisoners?
Triple R: I think that we should understand that we all should be working towards the same goals to help each person become a law abiding citizen.
G: I feel that, Rick, but I like that theory of yours a lot more, where you said an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure. I personaly don't think that there is a cure. There will never be an accurate way to hire the right people, or will there ever be a way to change the hearts, hidden agendas, and ulterior motives of men. We should set up some type of way to keep our children from becoming victims of circumstances so that they won't fall victim to these perverted law enforcement agencies just like the book we wrote, Rick, which also happens to be entitled 'Victim of Circumstances."
Triple R: What it all boils down to G status is in the end we are all going to have to respect each other, and show each other love.
Contact infomation on G Status: Erroll Shepherd #04296-089
Guest Blog: "Why are prison guards paid more than teachers"
Hey everybody,
My fellow comrad Rick Ross asked me what he deemed the "Hundred thousand dollar question." Why are prison guards paid more then teachers? Well for all the Rick Ross supporters out there I sincerely hope you feel my reply. Check this. If I were to tell you that the incarceration of minorities in this country was an intentional guise hidden within layer upon layer of judicial platforms, you and many skeptics might say that its the same old story being told by the same people misfortunate enough to find themselves on the wrong end of the judicial stick. Some might even go as far as to say that theyre tired of hearing the same old rhetoric. But when I look at the various statistics surrounding prison industry, I notice an appalling trend toward enabling criminality and bolstering prison demands. Outrageous? Well answer this. Why are prison guards paid more then school teachers, proffesionals entrusted with the educating of our nations future, and ultimately the worlds future. Lets do some math. With 2 million people incarcerated throughout this nation, with the cost of housing for each one being around 20,000, you have around 40 billion dollars being siphoned out of the tax payers dollars per year. Why? Two points to consider - 1. With Prison Industry, no longer do companies have to look across the borders for cheap labor. All they have to do is go to the local prison. Unicor, the governments thirty ninth largest supply contractor, sold 600 million worth of goods and services to th U.S. government in 2002. 400 million purchased by the Department of Defense. Inmates are paid less then 15 cents a hour to manufactor anything from cabinets and tables to ink cartridges and computer processors. These goods are then sold to the government by the bureau of prisons, another branch of the government, effectively creating a monopoly. Brilliant? Maybe, but look at point 2. An amazing trend toward the privatization of the prison system. It seems that Im not the only one who can add. Private corporations are seeing the financial bottom line of prison Industry, cashing in on the endless supply of inmates provided by a judicial system more concerned to incarcerate then rehabilitate. So again heres the hundred thousand dollar question. Does our government or the powers that be, think it more important or profitable to invest your tax dollars in a ever increasing prison population rather then the future of our children and theyre academic prowess. Are they more concerned with the bottom line of a financial spread sheet then the long term effects that an uneducated populace can have on the future of this country. Ill be your sounding board, you be the judge. Get at your boy.
sincerely,
Thomas (slice) Clarkson 05657-027
F.C.I. Texarkana
P.O. box 7000
Texarkana Tx. 75505
My fellow comrad Rick Ross asked me what he deemed the "Hundred thousand dollar question." Why are prison guards paid more then teachers? Well for all the Rick Ross supporters out there I sincerely hope you feel my reply. Check this. If I were to tell you that the incarceration of minorities in this country was an intentional guise hidden within layer upon layer of judicial platforms, you and many skeptics might say that its the same old story being told by the same people misfortunate enough to find themselves on the wrong end of the judicial stick. Some might even go as far as to say that theyre tired of hearing the same old rhetoric. But when I look at the various statistics surrounding prison industry, I notice an appalling trend toward enabling criminality and bolstering prison demands. Outrageous? Well answer this. Why are prison guards paid more then school teachers, proffesionals entrusted with the educating of our nations future, and ultimately the worlds future. Lets do some math. With 2 million people incarcerated throughout this nation, with the cost of housing for each one being around 20,000, you have around 40 billion dollars being siphoned out of the tax payers dollars per year. Why? Two points to consider - 1. With Prison Industry, no longer do companies have to look across the borders for cheap labor. All they have to do is go to the local prison. Unicor, the governments thirty ninth largest supply contractor, sold 600 million worth of goods and services to th U.S. government in 2002. 400 million purchased by the Department of Defense. Inmates are paid less then 15 cents a hour to manufactor anything from cabinets and tables to ink cartridges and computer processors. These goods are then sold to the government by the bureau of prisons, another branch of the government, effectively creating a monopoly. Brilliant? Maybe, but look at point 2. An amazing trend toward the privatization of the prison system. It seems that Im not the only one who can add. Private corporations are seeing the financial bottom line of prison Industry, cashing in on the endless supply of inmates provided by a judicial system more concerned to incarcerate then rehabilitate. So again heres the hundred thousand dollar question. Does our government or the powers that be, think it more important or profitable to invest your tax dollars in a ever increasing prison population rather then the future of our children and theyre academic prowess. Are they more concerned with the bottom line of a financial spread sheet then the long term effects that an uneducated populace can have on the future of this country. Ill be your sounding board, you be the judge. Get at your boy.
sincerely,
Thomas (slice) Clarkson 05657-027
F.C.I. Texarkana
P.O. box 7000
Texarkana Tx. 75505
Friday, April 17, 2009
The RAID
Well, today started off like any other. Got up to get my workout on, feeling good and thankful I am still alive. Another chance to make something happen. I had been finished with my workout for about 30 mintues and was about to shoot some ball to get a little cardio, when I heard them call my name to report back to the unit. First thing came to my mind, were they calling me to sign my papers for the halfway house? Couldn't get back to the unit cause the gates were locked, so it would be at least another 30 minutes. Five minutes later they called me again. This time I recognized the voice, it was my unit officer Ms. Childs. So then I thought they weren't calling me to sign my halfway house papers. I thought, did I do something wrong in my room like not make my rack or leave my shoes on the floor? Yea, they want us to put our shoes on the bed, hard for me to believe they would force you to put dirty shoes on the bed. I think it's another tactic to break you down. But I was sure I had done all that, so I keep on shooting. Finally they called the move. I rushed to the unit to see what was going on. Man, was I suprised. When I got to the officer's station, she had a look on her face of total disgust. She explained to me about all the things that were wrong with my room. Our room is the size of a project closet. Normally it's a two man cell, but right now I stay by myself. She explained to me that the Warden, Asst. Warden, Capt, and Lt. had raided my room. I added up all those people salaries and couldn't believe it. The Warden makes close to 150k a year. Asst. 125k. Capt. 100k. And the Lt about 50k. First thing that came to my mind was what a waste of taxpayers money. They were worried about me using a second locker. My old celly had still used the locker to keep milk and that drove them up the wall. I was like man, if they spent this much energy to do my halfway house papers I would have been on the streets. But here they are worried about how we hang our clothes behind the locker, and not wanting us to hang our towels out to dry. Next thing came to my mind was retaliation about me complaining about my halfway house. Congresswoman Waters called down and they lied to her. I figured this was a pay back. Already frustrated, I should be on the streets right now but I'm still incarcerated. Had my blood steaming, but I was able to gain my composure and look at the bright side. It will all be over in a minute.
$FWE$
$FWE$
Thursday, April 16, 2009
True Friends
This has been on my mind for a couple weeks, just couldn't put it
together so I thought I would start letting it rip. It is based on
friendship. Who are true friends? Everyone claims to be, but are
they willing to live up to the responsibility? I am close to being
released now, and a lot of old freinds are starting to pop back in the
picture. Don't get me wrong, I had a lot of friends; some that would
show up if I called in the middle of the night. Some that claim they
are friends wouldn't give me a drink of water if I was dying of
thirst. Just cause they say they are friend doen't necessarily say
so. And sometime we can get confused on who is a friend and who's
not. See, I thought that the guy that first introduced me to cocaine
was my friend, I thought he was doing me a big favor. Then I thought
that my friend that told me not to sell cocaine was my enemy, was
jealouse. Thirty years later I learned the difference between the
two. See, the guy that taught me how to sell cocaine - we got
arrested together. I knew I was through, and going to jail, and felt
no need for the both of us to go. Loved him like a brother and took
the load and let him walk. The day he walked out the cell after we
gave each other a brotherly embrace, he told me I had nothing to worry
about and he had me. That was the last day I heard from him until he
was on his death bed. The guy that told me not to sell drugs, he was
like a father figure, taught me how to play tennis; a lot of other
things I didn't want. But when I got arrested, he was one of the
first to be there. Man, my vision was blurred, but I think we are
starting to see a lil clearer now. Now that I am on my way home, a
lot of old friends are coming around. Should I be a real friend and
let them back? Or do I leave them like they left me?
$FWE$
together so I thought I would start letting it rip. It is based on
friendship. Who are true friends? Everyone claims to be, but are
they willing to live up to the responsibility? I am close to being
released now, and a lot of old freinds are starting to pop back in the
picture. Don't get me wrong, I had a lot of friends; some that would
show up if I called in the middle of the night. Some that claim they
are friends wouldn't give me a drink of water if I was dying of
thirst. Just cause they say they are friend doen't necessarily say
so. And sometime we can get confused on who is a friend and who's
not. See, I thought that the guy that first introduced me to cocaine
was my friend, I thought he was doing me a big favor. Then I thought
that my friend that told me not to sell cocaine was my enemy, was
jealouse. Thirty years later I learned the difference between the
two. See, the guy that taught me how to sell cocaine - we got
arrested together. I knew I was through, and going to jail, and felt
no need for the both of us to go. Loved him like a brother and took
the load and let him walk. The day he walked out the cell after we
gave each other a brotherly embrace, he told me I had nothing to worry
about and he had me. That was the last day I heard from him until he
was on his death bed. The guy that told me not to sell drugs, he was
like a father figure, taught me how to play tennis; a lot of other
things I didn't want. But when I got arrested, he was one of the
first to be there. Man, my vision was blurred, but I think we are
starting to see a lil clearer now. Now that I am on my way home, a
lot of old friends are coming around. Should I be a real friend and
let them back? Or do I leave them like they left me?
$FWE$
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Accepting Responsibility
Hey, what's up everybody? Well, I can't seem to stay on track with these blogs. I have been wanting to sit down and write about this for a couple weeks, but this release date has had me in suspense. I thought today I would be home. But that is okay, whenever the time is right, it will happen. I have been doing a lot of thinking about accepting responsibility; how we are always looking for others to point the blame at when something goes wrong, but when it is right, we are fast to accept the credit. I think it should be a honor to recognize when you make a mistake. It takes a hell of a person to admit when you are wrong, and to hold your head up and keep your spirits high when things are not going your way. Oh yea, everybody can be good when there is no pressure, but how will you do when the pressure is on? Right now I hear everybody is pushing the weight on Obama, I hear them saying he is going to make everything right. Even though I don't say much, I really hate foolish talk like that. This country has been jacked off for 20 to 30 years, and it has taken millions of people to get it in this position. How can we expect one man to turn it around in 1, 4, or even 8 years? Our minds are messed up in this country; we have become very lazy, overweight, and we consume everthing. All the factories are closing and moving overseas. Everything is going out and nothing is coming in. We are understudied, when will we wake up? "The process of evolution is constantly building our tomorrow out of our today." We must take responsibility of the position that we are in. It is going to take effort from everybody to get us out.
Peace and Love.
Peace and Love.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Getting Back
Hey what's up y'all? I am trying to get back on track. With all the things that have been going on lately, it has been hard for me to get focused. Seems like my time has slowed down, but I haven't been able to get anything done. But I did want to be a witness to let everybody know hard work does pay off. As you all know, Jimmy got out, and he has been doing quite well. I mean just last night someone sent me a email and said he was on the radio. I am very proud of him. I do miss all the times that we would sit down and write and come up with ideas to share with the world. So many times guys get out of here with great plans then find there plans crashing down on them. I am a firm believer in preparation. People laugh at us all the time because we are not doing the thing that everybody else thinks is fun. I think I told you before, I haven't watched tv or the listened to the radio in 3 years, other than just for a few seconds. And man, has that sacrifice paid off . If I watch two hours of television a day there would be no way I could write all my letters and answer all my emails. We must have priorities. Well, right now I have several job offers when I touch. There are people that I gave the game to, that is telling me how weill it is working. And I have only been giving them a little. Most people don't have the time for me to give them the full extent of what I know. There is always something to do. Another party, another tv show. One more drink or another cigarette. Ecomony is bad and if you want to survive it is time for you to take control of your life. Otherwise you will be out in the rain. Alright you all take care and don't forget to check out Freewayenterprise.com. It is another prime example of what I am talking about.
Peace and Love
Freeway Ricky Ross
Peace and Love
Freeway Ricky Ross
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Hey everybody, what's up?
First of all, let me apologize for me being gone so long. First we had some techncal difficulties; after we got that worked out, my man Jimmy went home. That had me off my square. At the same time, I was atticapating a court ruling. Just wasn't in the mood to do anything extra. Well Feb 2nd that court date came through. I got my time reduced and I could be home in the next four to six weeks, give or take. When that happened, my emails went crazy. As you know, I only get so much time on the computer. I try desperately to keep up with my email. But other than having a lil jitter about my release, I will be back bloggin after this week. And if there is any question that you want to know about my release, just hit me on the comment and I will be glad to answer. Been getting alot of offers for alot of different things. You guys are not going to believe everything that they have been offering me. I feel like the luckest man in the world. Oh yea, www.freewayenterprise.com crossed the 1000 mark friday. Keep your heads up. $FWE$
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Waiting for Destiny
There are two types of people in this world: those who chase after their destiny, and those who wait for their destiny to come to them. Too often people sit around waiting for something magical to happen. Their big break, so to speak, might be right around the next corner. They hope, wish and pray for things without putting in any effort to make them come to fruition. They are what we call The Sleepers. And we all know the old adage... that nothing comes to a sleeper but a dream. God blesses the child that has his own. But God really blesses the one's that go out and create their own (Bill Gates, 50 cent, Jay-Z, Oprah, Bob Johnson, Martha Steward, etc). Most people think that their Destiny will just show up and knock on their door; mysteriously appearing from the shadows. They sit around and invest their time and money in meaningless things, waiting for that illusive destiny. These are the kids of people who spend significant amounts of money on things like lottery tickets, television, radio, strip clubs, and so on. Those are the same people who will one day look back and regret their hesitation to pursue their destiny. While they were waiting for Destiny to come around and bump into them, someone else was chasing Destiny with a large net. In the book, "As A Man Thinketh," it says, "all that a man/woman achieves and all that he fails to achieve is the direct result of impurities that are his own and not another mans; they are brought about by himself. Therefore his suffering and happiness are evolved from within. As he thinks, so he is; as he continues to think, so he remains. A man can only rise, conquer, and achieve by lifting up his thoughts. He can only remain weak, an object, and miserable, by refusing to lift up his thoughts." The point is this; as long as people wait on their destiny, they will never reach their ultimate goals in life. There are too many people that have taken their dreams with them to the grave. As they say, "The graveyards aer full of men with good intentions." And for all the people out there that continue to chase after Destiny... don't give up, she will run, she will even try to hide.... but sooner or later, she will stop running and hiding and let you know that she's ready to be taken.
by Ricky Ross & Jimmy DaSaint
by Ricky Ross & Jimmy DaSaint
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Happy New Year!
Hey everybody. Wanted to wish you all Happy New Years. We are blessed to still be in the land of the living. So many didn't make it to see today, so we must be thankful. Today is the first day of the rest of our lives. So what are we going to do with it. alot of people squander off last year. Some are saying the things they are going to do this year, but they know in their heart that they are not going to do it. My teacher called them procrastinators. But I have made up my mind, this is going to be one of the biggest years that I have ever had before in my life. I am going to continue to stay in tip top shape, even though everyday I exercise feels like the day I want to quit. Oh yea, it's not easy but it is necessary. Too often we are looking for the easy route. Let's make this year the year of struggle to get to where you want to be. Let's pick ourself off the ground and spread our wings and fly like a butterfly. Freeway Enterprise is on the rise. I appreciate all the help you have been giving me. Love Always. Make this your year too.
Freeway Ricky Ross
$FWE$
Freeway Ricky Ross
$FWE$
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
