Exclusive Video: Freeway Rick Ross Talks Casting Nick Cannon

Nick Cannon will soon be hitting the big screen, playing legendary West Coast drug kingpin, “Freeway” Rick Ross.

On Monday, Ross and Cannon posted a YouTube video announcing the casting decision, which came with criticism. Many found Cannon an odd choice to play the ex-con because of his squeaky clean image.

Ross stopped by the HipHollywood loft to chat with us exclusively about the casting, revealing why he believes Cannon is the perfect choice, even after speaking with Larenz Tate, Jamie Foxx, Don Cheadle and Denzel Washington about the role. “My gut feeling is telling me that Nick is going to kill it. I believe that he is the next big star, black star coming out, it just seems so right to me right now.”

Ross also let us in on other details regarding the untitled film, saying it will not be another American Gangster, but an honest tale about his life so other inner city youth don’t follow in his footsteps. “I believe there hasn’t been a drug dealer that has come out and put everything out.I think it’ll be a story where youth can understand themselves, they can see the story and say, ‘Wow. I understand why I’m doing what I’m doing.’”

Nick Cassavetes (Blow) is set to direct the film. But before it hits the big screen, Ross will release a documentary with Emmy award-winning director Marc Levin, called, Cracks In The System. “I’m proud of it, me and Marc started working on that while I was in prison, and now we are hoping to have it edited in 30 days, so people can see it.”

Check more of our interview with Freeway Rick Ross below and feel free to weigh in about Cannon taking on the role.