Yo Gotti Details Deep-Rooted Ties To Rick Ross, Drake

Yo Gotti may have just released his major-label debut, but the Memphis, Tennessee MC has always gotten major level respect. With an independent grind that dates back to his 2000 album From da Dope Game 2 da Rap Game, Gotti has remained one of hip-hop's most beloved underground artists. Needless to say, he's built some key relationships along the way — one of them being with the biggest boss, Rick Ross.

"Ross is like a big brother," Gotti said on Wednesday's "RapFix Live". "I met Ross when ["Hustlin' " came out], before he was Rick Ross now as far as his accomplishments. It's always been the same, still 'til this day. If I hit him or he hits me on any given day, it's the same love."

Rozay rides shotgun on "Harder," a track from Gotti's Live From the Kitchen, which was released on Tuesday. The Bawse isn't the only high-profile rap guest, however. Jadakiss, 2 Chainz, Big K.R.I.T., Big Sean, Wiz Khalifa, Gucci Mane and Nicki Minaj all appear on the LP.

Another MC connected to Gotti is Drake, though the Young Money standout isn't featured on the album. Drizzy, who would spend summers in Gotti's native Memphis, name drops the rapper on "Underground Kings," a track from his most recent release Take Care. "Memphis, Tennessee no, see I start to go deep back/ In Ridge Crest with my seat back, with Yo Gotti and E-Mack," Drake spits about his connection to the southern city and it's beloved rap scene.

"I got a lot of respect for Drake, most definitely; he's killin' it," Gotti said of the Toronto standout whom he met years before Drizzy signed to Lil Wayne and became a star. "Back then it wasn't really much talkin', you know, 'cause he was just kinda quiet. He was on his mission, though; you see he went on it."

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