Rick Ross Talks Philly Pastor's 'Amen' Boycott Ahead of 'God Forgives' CD

By Christine Thomasos, Christian Post Reporter Monday, July 23, 2012

Rick Ross, rap mogul who is gearing up to release his fifth studio album "God Forgives, I Don't," recently spoke about the role of pastors in the community on the heels of his protege Meek Mills' apologizing for offending the Christian community with his song "Amen."

"I think he handled it pretty good," Ross said of Mills in an interview with Philadelphia radio station 107.9. "When it comes to pastors, I feel pastors should open the doors to churches not close them."

Ross' statements stem from a boycott of Mills' music which was initiated by Philadelphia pastor Jomo K. Johnson who did not agree with Mills referencing the church in his song. While Johnson eventually forgave Mills after the rapper made a public apology, Ross has also incorporated the church in his upcoming album.

In an MTV report, the rapper described why he decided to include the forgiveness of God in his album title.

"I knew approaching this album, I wanted to approach titling it a lot different from previous albums. I wanted it to be strong and impactful," he said. "The first half is 'God Forgives': It's a lot of us need forgiveness. 'I Don't' represented the street aspect of life. I feel we have both sides that we deal with in life."

Ross also mentioned that he used an actual church to capture some images for his album cover.

"We actually used a church to shoot some photos in. I remember sitting in the church just waiting for the photographer, and I remember sitting in there praying, just being thankful," he said. "I knew I wanted to have 10 Jesus pieces on. Of course, one Jesus piece was always fly, but I just wanted 10. I just wanted to go to that next level."

Ross' fifth studio album is slated or July 31 release.