William Leonard Roberts II, known professionally as Rick Ross, was born on January 28, 1976, in Clarksdale, Mississippi, and raised in the impoverished area of Carol City, Florida. He attended Albany State University on a football scholarship for a year before pursuing a music career. Before his rise to fame, Ross worked as a correctional officer for 18 months from 1995 to 1997, a fact he initially denied but later acknowledged. He adopted his stage name from the infamous drug trafficker "Freeway" Rick Ross, with whom he has no connection.
Music Career
Ross's career began under the pseudonym Teflon Da Don. His debut single, "Hustlin'," released in 2006, sparked a bidding war among record labels, leading to his signing a multi-million dollar deal with Jay-Z's Def Jam Recordings. His debut album, Port of Miami (2006), shot to the top of the Billboard 200 chart. He followed this success with a string of chart-topping albums, including Trilla (2008), Deeper Than Rap (2009), Teflon Don (2010), God Forgives, I Don't (2012), and Mastermind (2014).
Maybach Music Group
In 2009, Ross founded his own record label, Maybach Music Group (MMG). The label has signed and released albums for prominent artists such as Meek Mill, Wale, and French Montana. MMG has released several successful compilation albums, including the Self Made series. The label is known for its signature "Maybach Music" audio drop, voiced by model Jessica Gomes.
Business Ventures
Beyond his music career, Rick Ross is a savvy entrepreneur. He has a number of business ventures, most notably owning multiple Wingstop restaurant franchises. His business portfolio also includes investments in real estate, including a large estate in Georgia, and a line of luxury grooming products called "RICH by Rick Ross".
Personal Life
Rick Ross's life has not been without controversy. He has faced legal issues, including charges for kidnapping and assault. He has also been involved in a high-profile feud with rapper 50 Cent. In 2013, Ross and his girlfriend were the targets of a drive-by shooting, though neither was harmed. He has also faced health scares, including suffering two seizures in one day in 2011 and a hospitalization in 2018. Ross has five children.