AceShowbiz - Rick Ross recently opened up about the origins of his longstanding conflict with Drake during an interview on Joe and Jada Unfiltered, providing insight into how their once-collaborative relationship deteriorated into rivalry.

Rick Ross explained that the tension began when Drake referenced him in a diss track, which prompted Ross to respond immediately, consistent with his competitive nature in hip-hop. He emphasized that the feud ignited because his name was directly targeted, making it impossible for him to stay silent.

The Maybach Music Group leader recounted how their relationship was once solid, largely thanks to DJ Khaled’s role as a connector between Miami’s Cash Money scene and Drake’s emerging prominence. He reminisced about the creative synergy they shared during that period, highlighting collaborations such as "Aston Martin Music," where artists like Chrisette Michele and John Legend contributed, with Drake brought in on Khaled’s recommendation.

This collaborative spirit led to several significant tracks, including "Stay Schemin'," "Money in the Grave," and "Lemon Pepper Freestyle," showcasing their ability to merge distinct styles into memorable music moments.

However, the dynamic shifted in 2024 amid the Kendrick Lamar versus Drake rivalry, where Rick Ross aligned himself with Kendrick. The tension escalated when Drake released "Push Ups" in April 2024, which contained direct disses aimed at Ross.

Rick Ross quickly fired back with his own track, "Champagne Moments," accusing Drake of using ghostwriters and insinuating cosmetic enhancements, marking a personal and calculated counterattack.

Further signs of their fractured relationship surfaced during Ross’s Verzuz battle with French Montana, where Ross notably skipped Drake’s verses on "Aston Martin Music," signaling his disapproval and distancing himself from past collaborations.

Ross also publicly criticized Drake’s 2026 album "Iceman," labeling it "horrendous" and expressing regret over spending time listening to it. This album continued the feud, with Drake dropping a pointed line in the track "Make Them Pay," where he claimed to have supported Ross’s streaming numbers before other influencers emerged, challenging Ross’s credibility and implying dependence on Drake’s platform.

Speculation has arisen that Rick Ross might be leveraging this ongoing beef to promote his upcoming album, "Set In Stone," set to release on June 12, 2026. When questioned about the current state of their relationship, Ross initially downplayed the conflict but later confirmed that diss tracks would feature prominently on his new project.

He conveyed that the competitive spirit fueling the feud is intrinsic to hip-hop culture and remains a key element of his artistic expression. This rivalry, which once blossomed from mutual creativity, now fuels Rick Ross’s determination to settle scores through his forthcoming album.

As the release date approaches, it is clear that Rick Ross intends to channel this ongoing conflict into his music, keeping the competitive fire alive and continuing a narrative that has captivated fans and critics alike.

This article is based on reporting originally published by AllHipHop.