it's a little too easy to say the labels. fact, dudes have always tried to be tough and let people know they're even tougher than they are (regardless if they are or not). another one is that people always want to have an interesting life story. it would be just as annoying if i hear yet another story of 'rags to riches' 'changed my life around' but others love it.
ross told the story, he says his story, himself, pointing the finger anywhere else absolves him, if you think he has anything to be guilty about.
i'm not a fan of the idea that most rappers are lying about their criminal pasts, look at the stats for young men, regardless of socio-economics, race, and regardless of post secondary education, shit happens on a large scale. dudes can be easily exaggerating, dudes putting in years of steady work on the streets will exaggerate, same with those mr. bigs and mr. cartels, human nature and an occupational hazard. adding to the confusion is that from jump, once dudes got deals which meant advances and cash some either upped their game or joined it.
i don't bother tryin' to figure out who's talkin' truth, stretching it (for whatever reason) or tellin' flat out lies. i don't pay attention to dudes from who evers neighborhood because if you were doing anything, you have to have those that don't like you and some will be that dude in your own crew/block/etc. it doesn't take much to get into the game, but it takes somethin' to stay and make somethin' out of it for yourself and avoid the dangers.
anyways, i personally don't care how you got here only how well you spit, your creativity, your flow and the music you're rappin over. but if you claim something, good or bad, and get caught lie telling or exposed, i'll definitely think twice while giving kissing my teeth and giving a serious cut eye.