FAYETTEVILLE, GA – JULY 03: Rapper Gunplay attends MMG Weekend’s The #BIGGEST Pool Party on July 3, 2016 in Fayetteville, Georgia. (Photo by Prince Williams/Getty Images for MMG)

Rapper Gunplay opened up about long-standing frustrations with his music career during a candid interview on the I Say That 2 Say This Podcast. The Miami rapper spoke bluntly about his time around Rick Ross and the role he says Def Jam Recordings played in slowing his momentum.

During the conversation, Gunplay described himself as a day-one member of Ross’ circle who helped build the early reputation of the crew. Yet he says that same collective energy disappeared when it was time to invest in his own music.

“When it was Ross’s turn, everybody was a group effort,” Gunplay said. “When it was Gunplay’s turn, it was crickets.”

The rapper argued that several of his records generated strong street reaction but never received the label backing required to break through commercially. He pointed to songs like “Bible on the Dash” and “Yams” as examples of tracks that gained traction without proper promotion.

“I got hit records. Nobody’s giving me a budget. Nobody’s doing nothing,” Gunplay said. “So what you want me to possibly do?”

Gunplay said the situation became more frustrating because responsibility for his stalled career seemed to bounce between Ross and Def Jam executives.

“They’ll play ping pong,” he said. “Ross says it’s on Def Jam. Then Def Jam says it’s on fat boy.”

Rapper Gunplay Rips Former Friend Rick Ross & Def Jam Recordings For His Career Shortcomings

According to Gunplay, that stalemate left him trapped in industry limbo. Without label support, he said he struggled financially and eventually returned to street activity to survive.

“Let me get that chain,” Gunplay recalled saying during robberies. “That was literally a cry for help.”

The rapper also revealed a publishing deal he now regrets. Gunplay said he sold his publishing for $50,000 through Sony ATV but only received half the money upfront.

“I sold my publishing for $50,000,” he said. “They gave me $25,000 upfront.”

When asked about his relationship with Ross today, Gunplay suggested distance remains.

“Not really as of lately,” he said. “No.”

Still, the rapper insisted his loyalty during their rise never changed.

“When it came to MMG, if you mess with Ross, you mess with Gunplay,” he said. “I basically put myself on.”