This Rick Ross lying mess has crossed over to the mainstream with some national media types turning to their black counterparts to break through the wall of confusion.

The National Public Radio reached out to Jon Caramanica, music writer for The NY Times to better explain why a black man is denying his positive past.

It’s kind of sad listening to the black guy explaining to the white woman why the black community has a problem with a black man holding down a steady job:

“First, there’s a historically fraught relationship between the African American community and the police.. And I believe there’s some skepticism toward people who represent the law.” says Caramanica. Jon C. goes on to explain that Rick Ross “positioned himself as someone moving in the shadows of the law [and his past history as a corrections officer] throws the whole idea of authenticity into light”

This whole thing is really embarrassing — not just for Rick Ross, but for those of us who have to explain to our white friends who simply don’t get the whole “you ain’t a thug unless you have a criminal record” mentality.