Gunplay Accuses Rick Ross and Def Jam of Mishandling His Career

The MMG rapper says he was abandoned despite delivering hit records, while Ross received full support

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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In a candid podcast interview, rapper Gunplay opened up about feeling abandoned by Rick Ross and Def Jam despite being a loyal 'day 1' member of MMG and delivering multiple hit records. Gunplay accused the label and Ross of 'playing ping pong' with his career, providing him no budgets or promotion while fully supporting Ross. He revealed selling his publishing for just $50,000 and having to return to street activities as a 'cry for help' due to the lack of support. Gunplay also said he and Ross no longer speak, marking a significant shift from their early days when he was known as Ross's enforcer.

Why it matters

Gunplay's story sheds light on the darker side of the music industry, where loyalty and talent don't always translate to success. His claims of being mishandled by his label and mentor highlight the power dynamics and politics that can stifle an artist's career, even one with proven hit-making ability. This case raises broader questions about how the industry treats artists, especially those without the full backing of their label and management.

The details

Gunplay revealed that despite delivering hit records like 'Bible on the Dash,' 'Yams,' and 'Nobody's Favorite,' he received no budgets or promotion from Rick Ross and Def Jam. He said the label and Ross would 'play ping pong,' each blaming the other for the lack of support. Gunplay also disclosed that he was pressured to sell his publishing for just $50,000, leaving him in a financial hole. Feeling abandoned, he turned to street activities as a 'cry for help.' Gunplay emphasized that while Ross received full group support, his own efforts were met with 'crickets' from the label.

  • Gunplay has been a member of MMG for over 10 to 15 years.

The players

Gunplay

A rapper who was a longtime member of Rick Ross's Maybach Music Group (MMG) label.

Rick Ross

A rapper and the founder of Maybach Music Group, who Gunplay says failed to properly support his career.

Def Jam

The record label that Gunplay was signed to through his deal with MMG, which he says also mishandled his career.

Matt Middleton

Gunplay's former manager who was involved in the deal that led to Gunplay selling his publishing for $50,000.

Megan Price

Gunplay's former manager who was involved in the deal that led to Gunplay selling his publishing for $50,000.

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What they’re saying

“When it was Ross's turn and we was on the road and we was doing everything, everybody was a group effort. When it was Gunplay's turn, it was crickets.”

— Gunplay, Rapper (I Say That 2 Say This Podcast)

“I got hit records. Nobody's giving me a budget. Nobody's doing nothing. So, what you want me to possibly do?”

— Gunplay, Rapper (I Say That 2 Say This Podcast)

“They had me selling my publishing basically. I sold my publishing for $50,000. They gave me $25,000 upfront. They never did a second Triple C album for me to get the other $25,000, but I still ended up paying back $50,000.”

— Gunplay, Rapper (I Say That 2 Say This Podcast)

“Fuck Megan Price and everybody who put potholes in my road to success. When that karma knocking, I just hope that you dressed.”

— Gunplay, Rapper (I Say That 2 Say This Podcast)

“Not really as of lately. Nah.”

— Gunplay, Rapper (I Say That 2 Say This Podcast)

What’s next

Gunplay has not indicated any specific future plans or events related to this situation with Rick Ross and Def Jam. The story appears to be an unresolved conflict that has led to the breakdown of their relationship.

The takeaway

Gunplay's experience highlights the challenges artists can face even when they are delivering successful music, as politics, power dynamics, and lack of support from labels and management can stifle their careers. His story serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of artists protecting their intellectual property and securing proper backing to ensure their talents are nurtured and rewarded.