Rick Ross Bio
William Leonard Roberts II, known professionally as Rick Ross, is an American rapper and music executive. A prominent figure in modern hip hop, Ross broke out with the 2006 single “Hustlin’” and his debut album Port of Miami (2006), which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200. He founded the Maybach Music Group (MMG) in 2008, signing artists such as Meek Mill and Wale, and has released multiple chart-topping albums. Ross has received nine Grammy nominations and remains influential for his production of lavish, cinematic rap narratives.
Early Life and Background
William Leonard Roberts II was born on January 28, 1976, in Clarksdale, Mississippi, and raised in Carol City, Florida. Growing up in the Miami-Dade County area exposed him to the Southern hip hop scene that would later shape his musical identity. After graduating from Miami Carol City Senior High School, he attended the historically black college Albany State University on a football scholarship.
Roberts worked as a correctional officer for 18 months from December 1995, until his resignation in June 1997. That experience would later become a subject of public scrutiny as his rap career developed. His early interest in music coincided with a vibrant local scene in South Florida, where he began to make connections in the industry.
Path to Music
In his early years at Suave House Records, Roberts initially made his debut under the pseudonym Teflon Da Don. He made his recording debut on the song “Ain’t Shhh to Discuss” on Erick Sermon’s album for DreamWorks, Def Squad Presents Erick Onasis. In the mid-2000s, he changed his stage name to Rick Ross, which he derived from the former drug kingpin “Freeway” Rick Ross, to whom he has no personal connection.
After being signed to Suave House Records, former label for rap duo 8Ball & MJG, he eventually signed a deal with Slip-n-Slide Records, which has been under the Def Jam label since 2006. While signed to Slip-n-Slide, Roberts toured with fellow rapper Trick Daddy and made guest performances on other Slip-n-Slide albums. He also became a lead member of the hip hop group Triple C’s, alongside fellow Florida rappers Gunplay and Torch in 2005.
Rick Ross Career
Early Career (2006-2008)
Prior to releasing his debut single, “Hustlin’” in March 2006, Ross was the subject of a bidding war, receiving offers from Diddy’s Bad Boy Entertainment and Irv Gotti’s Murder Inc., and ultimately signed a multimillion-dollar deal with Jay-Z on Def Jam Recordings. His debut studio album, Port of Miami, was released in August 2006 and debuted at the top spot on the U.S. Billboard 200 album chart, with sales at 187,000 units during the first week. The album received Gold certification from the Recording Industry Association of America on November 8, 2006.
In March 2008, his second album Trilla was released and, like its predecessor, debuted at the top of the Billboard 200. The lead single “Speedin’” featured R. Kelly, while “The Boss” featuring T-Pain peaked at number 17 on the Hot 100. MTV News ranked Ross on the fourth spot in its 2008 “Hottest MCs in the Game” list among ten rappers.
Breakthrough (2008-2014)
Ross founded the record label Maybach Music Group (MMG) in 2008, through which he has signed artists including Meek Mill, Wale, French Montana, and Omarion, among others. His third and fourth albums, Deeper Than Rap (2009) and Teflon Don (2010), continued his chart dominance, with the latter spawning the single “Aston Martin Music” featuring Drake and Chrisette Michele, which received triple platinum certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
In 2011, Ross signed Wale and Meek Mill to his Maybach Music Group imprint. The group released their debut compilation album, Self Made Vol. 1 in May. His fifth album, God Forgives, I Don’t, was released on July 31, 2012, and debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, with first-week sales of 218,000 copies. The album also became his highest-charting release in the United Kingdom, reaching the top ten. In early 2012, Ross was named the Hottest MC in the Game by MTV.
His sixth album, Mastermind, was released in March 2014 and debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart with first-week sales of 179,000 copies. Later in 2014, he released Hood Billionaire in November, expanding his catalog with two major projects in a single year.
Notable Works and Milestones
Signature works in Rick Ross’s catalog include Port of Miami (2006), Teflon Don (2010), and God Forgives, I Don’t (2012), each of which showcased his booming vocal delivery and vivid lyrical imagery. He has been named “Man of the Year” by The Source in 2010 and 2011, and was recognized as the “Hottest MC in the Game” by MTV. With nine Grammy nominations, multiple chart-topping albums, and a successful record label in Maybach Music Group, Ross has cemented his place as one of the most influential figures in modern hip hop.
Rick Ross Award Nominations
Rick Ross has been nominated for nine Grammy Awards across his career, reflecting his enduring presence in the hip hop community. His single “Gold Roses” with Drake was nominated for Best Rap Song at the 62nd Annual Grammy Awards. He has also been nominated for BET Awards, including a nomination for Best Male Hip Hop Artist at the BET Awards 2011.
Rick Ross Awards Won
Throughout his career, Rick Ross has been recognized as one of hip hop’s most prominent figures, receiving the title of “Man of the Year” from The Source in 2010 and 2011, and being named “Hottest MC in the Game” by MTV in 2008. These recognitions highlight his influence in the genre.
Rick Ross Family
Rick Ross has five children. He was briefly engaged to Lira “Galore” Mercer in 2015. Ross is a Christian and has indicated that he prays every time he goes on stage to perform. Beyond these public details, Ross has kept much of his family life out of the spotlight.
Personal Life
Outside of music, Ross has pursued several business ventures, including owning several Wingstop restaurant locations as of 2017. Wingstop is a fast-food chain specializing in chicken wings. Ross was briefly engaged to Lira “Galore” Mercer in 2015. He has also authored a book, The Perfect Day to Boss Up, which debuted at number 5 on The New York Times’ weekly bestsellers list in September 2021. As of January 2025, Ross garnered criticism for performing, alongside Soulja Boy and Snoop Dogg, at a Trump-sponsored cryptocurrency event preceding Trump’s second inauguration.