Just when fans were ready to hit play, Roddy Ricch’s highly anticipated album has hit a pause button yet again.
Initially slated for a December release, the album’s drop date was later shifted to February 21. However, recent observations indicate a further delay. According to the iTunes Store, fans will now have to wait until April 25, 2025.
In a twist, Apple Music still holds firm on the February release date. Yet, Roddy Ricch’s social media remains mum about any specific date aside from a vague ‘2025’ hint.
Last year, Ricch found himself in the headlines, but not for music. The rapper accused a storage hunter, Prieto Hunters, of trying to extort him over a Grammy Award he had lost.
The drama unraveled when Prieto claimed to have acquired the Grammy, which Ricch won in 2019 for ‘Racks in the Middle’ with Nipsey Hussle and Hit-Boy, during a storage unit auction. Bought for a mere $280, the award’s potential value shot up amidst the controversy.
Though the Grammy was initially returned without fuss, Roddy later alleged that Prieto demanded $50,000 and a luxury watch. In an Instagram Live session, Ricch shared his side: a personal assistant’s severe accident led him to stash his belongings in storage, resulting in the Grammy’s misplacement.
Roddy mentioned: ‘Once we received the news that the kid had the Grammy, we get on the phone with him immediately. We offered him something, but he basically said the money we were offering him weren’t shit.’
Roddy continued, ‘I was like, “Bruh, I got 10 bands for you.” He was like, “That ain’t shit. I want $50,000.” First, he asked for an AP, then he asked for $50,000.’ This led to allegations of Prieto seeking clout rather than simply returning the item.
Prieto, however, countered these claims. In a social media post, he denied extortion attempts, stating he faced threats instead. Sharing his version, he expressed that all he wanted was a video acknowledging the return or a simple thank you.
Prieto added that the unfolding situation had been a nightmare, threatening his family. However, the Grammy was eventually returned during a police-mediated exchange.
Roddy Ricch’s fans must wait a bit longer for his new album. Meanwhile, his encounter with Prieto Hunters serves as a reminder of the pop culture interplay between storage hunters and celebrity possessions.
