In a recent episode of the Rory and Mal podcast, comedian and actor DC Young Fly expressed his frustration with hip-hop mogul Rick Ross for abandoning the 85 South Show, a popular Black podcast, to appear on a white-owned platform. This controversy reignited a discussion about loyalty and representation within the podcasting community, particularly in the context of Black media.
DC Young Fly recounted an incident from 2021 when Rick Ross abruptly left the 85 South Show mid-interview, leaving several questions unanswered. The comedian noted that Ross later addressed those same questions in a full interview on a different podcast, prompting his criticism. “I felt some type of way,” DC Young Fly said, highlighting the perceived disloyalty in Ross’s actions.
Rick Ross responded to the backlash by explaining that he had “urgent matters” to attend to on the day of the original interview, even adding a touch of humor by mentioning the Gucci jacket he wore for the shoot. However, DC Young Fly wasn’t convinced, stating, “First of all, you know he love. Second of all, I got to call a spade when it’s a spade,” emphasizing that leaving mid-interview was not appropriate.
The comedian pointed out that many high-profile guests, including T.I. and Snoop Dogg, have appeared on the 85 South Show without compensation. “Everybody do it for free,” he said, implying that Ross’s decision to leave was not justified. He also highlighted the podcast’s impressive analytics, noting that their numbers had remained strong both before and after Ross’s initial appearance. “You always got room to come back to be on the biggest podcast in the world,” he asserted.
DC Young Fly’s comments resonate with broader discussions about the importance of supporting Black-owned platforms in an industry often dominated by white interests. His passionate defense of the 85 South Show underscores the significance of representation and loyalty among artists and creators within the Black community.
As the debate unfolds, fans and industry insiders alike are weighing in on whether Ross’s decision was merely a business move or if it reflects a deeper issue of commitment to Black media. The conversation continues, as listeners and commentators consider the implications of such choices in the evolving landscape of podcasting and entertainment.
With each new twist in this narrative, the dialogue about representation in the industry remains critical, highlighting the ongoing need for support of Black voices and platforms. As the situation develops, it’s clear that both DC Young Fly and Rick Ross will remain central figures in this discussion, prompting others to reflect on their own roles in the industry.