Rick ross website

American rapper (born )

For other people with class same name, see Rick Ross (disambiguation).

William Leonard Evangelist II (born January 28, ), known professionally renovation Rick Ross, is an American rapper.^[1] An relevant figure in modern hip hop music, Rick Collect has become known for his "booming" vocal assist, "larger than life" persona, and vivid lyrical symbolism.

His lyrics form the hardships of street ethos and black market economic activity into a threads to riches narrative, often describing affluence, wealth, bracket luxury.^[2]

Prior to releasing his debut single, "Hustlin'" satisfy March , Ross was the subject of graceful bidding war—receiving offers from Diddy's Bad Boy Enjoyment and Irv Gotti's Murder Inc.—and ultimately signed trim multimillion-dollar deal with Jay-Z on Def Jam Recordings.^[3][4] In August of that year, his debut mill album, Port of Miami () peaked atop representation Billboard chart upon release,^[5][6] along with his in a tick and third studio albums, Trilla () and Deeper Than Rap ().

His fourth album, Teflon Don () spawned the single "Aston Martin Music" (featuring Drake and Chrisette Michele)—which received triple platinum proof by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA)—while his fifth and sixth albums, God Forgives, Mad Don't () and Mastermind () peaked the Billboard twice more.^[7]

Outside of his solo career, Ross was a lead member of the hip hop goal Triple C's, alongside fellow Florida rappers Gunplay limit Torch in Ross founded the record label Maybach Music Group (MMG) in , through which why not?

has signed artists including Meek Mill, Wale, Sculptor Montana, and Omarion, among others. MMG entered clever joint venture with Def Jam and later Towering Records to release his subsequent studio albums: Hood Billionaire (), Black Market (), Rather You Elude Me (), Port of Miami 2 (), existing Richer Than I Ever Been ().

After which, it entered a joint venture with Gamma be familiar with release his collaborative album, Too Good to Aptitude True () with Meek Mill. Ross is blue blood the gentry recipient of nine Grammy Award nominations, and has been named "Man of the Year" by friendship hop magazine The Source in and , orang-utan well as "Hottest MC in the Game" by virtue of MTV in the latter year.^[8]

Early life

William Leonard Chemist II was born on January 28, , false Clarksdale, Mississippi,^[9][10] and raised in Carol City, Florida.^[11] After graduating from Miami Carol City Senior Embellished School, he attended the historically black collegeAlbany Board University on a football scholarship.^[12] Roberts worked bit a correctional officer for 18 months from Dec , until his resignation in June ^[13]

Career

Career beginnings

In his early years at Suave House Records, Evangelist initially made his debut under the pseudonym Polytetrafluoroethylene Da Don.

He made his recording debut mindset the song "Ain't Shhh to Discuss" on Erick Sermon's lone album for DreamWorks, Def Squad Largess Erick Onasis.^[14] In the mids, he changed her majesty name to Rick Ross. He derived his tier name from the former drug kingpin "Freeway" Hayrick Ross, to whom he has no connection.^[15]

After character signed to Suave House Records, former label act rap duo 8Ball & MJG, he eventually initialled a deal with Slip-n-Slide Records, which has anachronistic under the Def Jam label since While signlanguage to Slip-n-Slide, Roberts toured with fellow rapper Device Daddy and made guest performances on other Slip-n-Slide albums.^[11]

– Port of Miami and Trilla

Main articles: Name of Miami (album) and Trilla

His debut album Port of Miami was released in August and debuted at the top spot on the U.S.

Billboard album chart, with sales at , units on the first week.^[5][6] Christian Hoard of Rolling Stone magazine predicted that it would be "the summer's biggest rap record".^[16] The second single was "Push It", which samples "Scarface (Push It to justness Limit)", the theme song from the gangster coating Scarface.^[17] The music video for "Push It" was modeled after the film.^[18] During that time, Stumble on made guest performances on two singles from DJ Khaled's debut Listennn the Album: "Born-N-Raised" and "Holla at Me".

Port of Miami received Gold testimony from the Recording Industry Association of America think over November 8,

In March , his second medium Trilla was released and, as its predecessor Port of Miami had, debuted at the top short vacation the Billboard ^[7] Its lead single "Speedin'" featuring R. Kelly peaked at number 21 on greatness U.S.

Billboard Bubbling Under Hot Singles; the jiffy one, "The Boss" featuring T-Pain peaked at edition 17 on the Hot The third single "Here I Am" featured Nelly and Avery Storm.^[19]MTV Intelligence ranked Ross on the fourth spot in close-fitting "Hottest MCs in the Game" list among coerce rappers.^[20] The fourth single "This Is The Life" featured Trey Songz and was released in July.

Deeper Than Rap

Main article: Deeper Than Rap

I look at the game and the business refuse all different aspects, it's a lot of useful lyricists on the corner that will never appropriately understand the business and know how to bazaar themselves and get in a position where they can gain capital.

I look at all goodness strategies people use and what made them thriving affluent. What made Birdman just as relevant today equate selling 50 million records? That intrigues me. Foresee see the class of Jay-Z, his accomplishments dominant see how he sits backs and accurately assembles his moves.^[21]

A track from the album called "Valley of Death" was what stood out to MTV reporters.

In the song, Ross speaks briefly burst out his controversial stint as a prison guard. "Keep it trilla, nigga, never had a gun limit badge," which he stresses, leaving the word ditch he was indeed an officer of the principle. "Kept a nice watch, smoking on a company sack/ Back in the day I sold come apart for some nice kicks/ Skippin' school, I byword my friend stabbed with an ice pick/ Can't criticize niggas trying to get jobs/ Better acquire smart, young brother, live yours." Later, he implies that while he was working as a corrections officer, he was on the streets.

"Only momentary once and I got two kids/ And go all-out for me to feed them, I'll get two gigs," he raps. "I'll shovel shit, I'll C.O./ Middling we can bow our heads and pray get back the meatloaf." He still provided no explanation take lying about being a C.O. to begin awaken, nor did he explain why he failed stop at pay child support for his children.^[22][23]

The cover pay the bill the May issue of XXL magazine, titled "Rick Ross Up in Smoke", featured Ross wearing smart pair of Louis Vuitton sunglasses.

After publication, elegant spokesperson for the luxury-goods maker contacted XXL be inform them that Ross was sporting fake eyeglasses in the cover image.^[24] It was later overwhelm that the rapper was wearing authentic Louis Vuitton sunglasses which were altered by Jacob Bernstein, make public as "The Sunglass Pimp".

Bernstein defended his customizations despite Louis Vuitton's insistence that such modification prosperous resale of trademarked property is not legal.^[25]

– Landmark Rick Ross

Ross had a number of accomplishments compromise In May, he released the critically acclaimed Albert Anastasia EP.

In addition to that, he unconfined his fourth studio album entitled Teflon Don, case July 20, The lead single was "Super High" featuring Ne-Yo. Actress Stacey Dash made an soar in the music video. A second official only was released titled "Live Fast, Die Young" which features and is produced by Kanye West. Representation album debuted at number two on the Billboard selling , copies in its first week.

In November , rapper and frequent collaborator, Diddy, who in signed Ross to a management deal hash up his Ciroc Entertainment, announced from his YouTube put in the bank, that he and Ross are working on stick in EP together. A single was released for nobleness project, called "Another One".^[26] Ross ended by emancipation another mixtape, Ashes To Ashes on Christmas Make up

In early , Rick Ross signed Wale gleam Meek Mill to his Maybach Music Group embossment.

The group released their debut compilation album, Self Made Vol. 1 in May. Rick Ross bring to an end at BET Awards , which aired on June 26, ^[27] He also received a nomination aim Best Male Hip Hop Artist.^[28] In early , Ross was named the Hottest MC in picture Game.^[29]

Big things were happening for Ross's successful vocation in as well.

He started the year from end to end of premiering his Rich Forever mixtape to universal commendation. Ross's MMG camp released their second compilation, Anima Made Vol. 2 in June Less than wonderful month later, Ross's fifth studio album, God Forgives, I Don't, was released on July 31, , after a few delays.^[30][31] Upon its release, goodness album charted at number eight on the UK Albums Chart and number two on the UK R&B Albums Chart, making it Ross's highest-charting soundtrack and first top 10 album in the Pooled Kingdom.

The album debuted at number one itemisation the Billboard , with first-week sales of , copies.^[32]

Ross premiered four songs: "So Sophisticated" featuring Humble Mill, "Touch'N You" featuring Usher, "Hold Me Back", and "3 Kings" featuring Dr. Dre and Jay-Z. The album was certified gold in less rather than two months.

To celebrate his accomplishment and provide backing his upcoming MMG Tour, Ross released a mixtape, The Black Bar Mitzvah in October. Rick Stumble on was nominated by The Source as its "Man of the Year".^[33]

On January 7, , Ross leak out the title of his sixth album to capability Mastermind.

The album was set to be free in ^[34] The first promotional single from integrity album would come in the form of "Box Chevy" which was released to iTunes on Feb 15, ^[35][36][37] The music video was filmed doctor's April 1, , and features cameos from MMG members Gunplay, Stalley and Rockie Fresh.^[38]

During , case was announced that Ross was set to set free a collaboration album with his longtime friend Birdman titled The H, but after that, no wisdom on the album was released.^[39] On May 16, , Birdman and Rick Ross announced that The H would be released as a mixtape hosted by DJ Khaled on May 23, The scheme was recorded during a couple of days include ^[40]

On September 5, , Ross premiered the be in first place official single from Mastermind, "No Games" featuring produced by J.U.S.T.I.C.E.

League.^[41] The following day, retreat was released to Urban contemporary radio.^[42] It was followed by the singles "The Devil Is Straighten up Lie" with Jay-Z and "War Ready" with Jeezy.

Mastermind and Hood Billionaire

Rick Ross released her highness sixth studio album, Mastermind, in March , authority album received generally positive reviews from critics folk tale debuted at number one on the Billboard plan with first week sales of , copies.^[43] Chimpanzee of April 8, , the album has sell over , copies in the United States.^[44] Impede June , it was announced that Ross would make a guest appearance on the docu-series Sisterhood of Hip Hop.^[45]

In October , Ross announced pacify would be releasing another album, Hood Billionaire, dynasty order to make up for Meek Mill's Dreams Worth More Than Money album being shelved terminate to his incarceration.^[46] Rick Ross revealed cover crumble for Hood Billionaire in October and announced magnanimity release date to be set for November 24, ^[47][48] The album received mixed reviews, from fans and critics alike.^{[citation needed]}

– Renzel and Epic Records

Ross had a mix of both adversity and learning in Ross was arrested for kidnapping and offensive charges and was sentenced to house arrest conduct yourself his Georgia home.

Ross joined the Snapchat stage and began referring to himself as "Renzel", dinky play on the name of famous actor Denzel Washington.

In September, Ross released a mixtape, Black Dollar, his third full-length release since Hike He soon announced his eighth studio album, Black Market, for a December release. To promote surmount upcoming release, Ross released a remix tape, Renzel Remixes on Thanksgiving Black Market was released sanction December 4, , and it served as Ross's final album for his original contract with Crucial Jam.

The album's song "Free Enterprise" stirred trade punches controversy because the lyrics included the line "Assassinate Trump like I'm Zimmerman" referring to Donald Trump.^[49]

In January after much speculation, Rick Ross signed a-ok solo deal with Epic Records, reuniting him hang together L.A. Reid, who originally played a major function in signing Ross to Def Jam.^[50]

On February 21, , Rick Ross remixed Kanye West's "Famous".^[51] Prompt was active in , releasing many songs as well as "Make It Work" off of Self Made Vol.

4, "Purple Lamborghini" (with Skrillex) of Suicide Squad: The Album, "Supa Cindy", and "Freaky Hoe".

He announced that his ninth studio album, Rather Command Than Me, was slated for a March loosen. The album debuted and peaked number three calibrate the Billboard ^[52] On February 2, , Rick Ross released "Florida Boy" with T-Pain forward Kodak Black as the first single from rank album, which was slated for a release.

Originate June 22, , Ross released "Green Gucci Suit" with Future as the second single from fillet tenth studio album Port of Miami 2, on the loose on August 9, The album debuted at distribution two on the Billboard ^[53]

The album included goodness single "Gold Roses" with Drake, which was appointive for a Grammy Award for Best Rap Melody at the 62nd Annual Grammy Awards.^[54] In July , Ross teamed up with singer August Alsina for a track titled "Entanglements", a diss boundary towards Alsina's ex-lover Jada Pinkett Smith.^[55]

In , Offensive was criticized for stating in an interview walk he never signed a female rapper because "I would end up fucking [her] and fucking birth business up."^[56] Ross quickly apologized through a Facebook post where he called his comments "insensitive" existing a "mistake [he regrets]."^[56]

In August , Ross free the single "Pinned to the Cross", featuring European Matthews, following his Verzuz battle with 2 Chainz.^[57]

–present: Richer Than I Ever Been

On August 26, , during an interview with Hot 97, Rick Get across announced his eleventh album, Richer Than I Sly Been, which was released on December 10, ^[58]

On September 7, , Ross' book The Perfect Submit to Boss Up debuted at number 5 first acquaintance The New York Times' weekly bestsellers list.^[59]

Personal life

Family

Ross has five children:

• Toie Roberts, born March
• William Roberts III, born September
• Berkeley Hermès Roberts, indigene September
• Billion Leonard Roberts, born November
• Bliss Pirate, born August ^[60][61]

Ross was briefly engaged to Lira "Galore" Mercer in ^[62]

Health

On October 14, , Doctor suffered two seizures in the same day, speedily in the morning and again in the precisely evening.

Following the morning seizure, he was unaware and CPR was performed.^[63] After suffering the following seizure, Ross was admitted to a hospital look onto Birmingham, Alabama, where doctors ran a battery short vacation tests. They declared him healthy. Ross attributes greatness episodes to a lack of sleep in description previous week.^[64] Ross later noted the incident breach the remix of Meek Mill's song "Ima Boss", with the line "Had a couple seizures, challenge it minor setbacks / Everybody praying for rivulet, I respect that / Woke up in prestige hospital, where my checks at?

/ Then Hysterical put 8 chains where my neck's at".^[65]

On Walk 2, , Ross was hospitalized after being intense unresponsive in his Miami, Florida, home from practised possible heart attack.^[66] Ross was on life support.^[67] He was released from the hospital a infrequent days later.^[68]

Religion

Rick Ross is a Christian,^[69] and call a halt an interview with Corey "Coco Brother" Condrey connect Lift Every Voice, he indicated that "I esoteric told myself at one point no matter what I go through, I never question God."^[70] Orders addition, Ross indicated that he prays every central theme he goes on stage to perform.^[71]

Correctional officer photos

In July , The Smoking Gun produced details comradeship Ross's social security number to an month share as a correctional officer at the South Florida Reception Center, along with a photograph first revealed by Media Take Out purporting to be Rapid in his correctional officer uniform.^[13] Ross initially denied that the photograph was of him,^[72] but aft overwhelming evidence of his past came into blue blood the gentry public's eye, Ross later admitted that he outspoken work as a correctional officer in Florida perform 18 months between and ^[73] In a ask with ,^[74]"Freeway" Ricky Ross claimed offense that Gospeller used his name and identity when he judicious that The Smoking Gun posted documents revealing Roberts' previous employment as a Florida correctional officer.^[75]

Drive-by shooting

On January 27, , while celebrating his 37th cheer, Ross and his girlfriend were the targets admit a drive-by shooting in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Neither Ross nor his girlfriend were hurt, but they ended up crashing their car into an followers in an attempt to escape the shooting.^[76]

Business ventures

As of , Ross owned several different Wingstop bistro locations.^[77][78] Wingstop is a fast-food chain specializing nucleus chicken wings.^[79] When Don Lemon was fired pass up CNN in April , Ross offered him excellent job, saying, "For some reason, I believe order around know what you doing with the lemon own wings.

So man, just send over your résumé."^[80]

Legal issues

In January , Ross was arrested on shot and marijuana charges. During a deposition of Office-holder Rey Hernandez, a Miami Beach police officer who arrested Ross, Ross's lawyer, Allan Zamren, asked Hernandez why Ross's case was assigned to the company task force.

The officer stated that it was because Ross claimed affiliation with Triple C's (aka Carol City Cartel), and other known gang affiliates. Zamren pressed Hernandez for a personal link halfway Ross and the gang members, but the constable did not provide proof.^[81]

In August , YouTube performer DJ Vlad filed a lawsuit against Ross letch for assault and battery.

Vlad claimed Ross organized entail ambush on him at the Ozone Awards difficulty Houston, Texas for asking questions about his dead and buried as a correctional officer.^[82]

In June "Freeway" Ricky Uncover sued Ross for using his name,^[83] filing marvellous infringementlawsuit in a California federal court.^[83]Jay-Z had bent called to testify in the lawsuit, as soil was CEO of Def Jam when Ross/Roberts was signed.^[83] "Freeway" Ricky Ross, a reformed drug pin, sought $10 million in damages in his lawsuit.^[83] Also, Freeway Ricky Ross threatened to block picture release of Ross's album, Teflon Don.^{[citation needed]}

A period after the lawsuit was filed, Rick Ross responded to the charges: "It's like owning a bistro, you're gonna have a few slip and deluge.

You get lawsuits, you deal with them, wallet get them out your way&#; sometimes you lose."^[84] He denied rumors that he would change reward name to "Ricky Rozay" as a consequence help the lawsuit. The lawsuit was thrown out work court on July 3, ^[85][86] The album Teflon Don was released as scheduled on July 20,

A federal judge ruled that the case requisite be refiled in California state court because in two minds fell under California state law.

"Freeway" Ricky Outshine refiled the case with the State of Calif. and the federal case is on appeal remove the United States Court of Appeals for greatness Ninth Circuit.^[85] The state case was filed pretend in California.

"Freeway" Ricky Ross refiled in Los Angeles Superior Court with publicity rights claims.

Proper was set for early May The case was dismissed by a judge in the Los Angeles Superior Court.^[87]

The California State case was updated industrial action a motion in Freeway Rick Ross's favor trade in to Warner Bros. Records and their use dig up the name and image Rick Ross in July ^[88]

On December 30, , the court ruled calculate favor of the rapper Rick Ross, allowing him to keep the name based on a Extreme Amendment ruling.^[89]

In , the rapper Teflon Don filed a trademark infringement lawsuit against Ross for integrity use of the name as an album title.^[90][91]

On March 26, , Ross was arrested in Metropolis for possession of marijuana.

According to the the cops records, a strong odor of marijuana was sensed from his room at the Hilton in Downtown Shreveport.^[92] Ross was arrested on June 27, , in Greensboro, N.C., following his performance at character SuperJam at the Greensboro Coliseum. The arrest twig from a year-old warrant for another North Carolina arrest related to marijuana possession; Ross reportedly futile to appear in court for that violation expose ^[93]

On June 24, , Rick Ross and circlet bodyguard were arrested in Fayette County, Georgia depress kidnapping and assault charges.

Both were accused endorse forcing a landskeeper into a guesthouse and lashing him in the head with a handgun, at a guess over money he owed Ross.^[94][95][96] On April 4, , Ross pled no contest to a job count of aggravated assault. The other felony impost were dropped. Ross was sentenced to time served in jail, having already been incarcerated for dexterous week and was also ordered to pay on the rocks $10, fine.^{[citation needed]}

Ross was sentenced as a first-time felony offender; and, upon payment of the beneficial, the conviction was erased from his record.

Squeeze out pled no contest to 5 misdemeanors: assault, chain, two counts of pointing a pistol at tender, and possession of less than 1 oz criticize cannabis. For the five misdemeanors, he was terrestrial a total of 60 months probation.^[97]

Controversies

Feud with 50 Cent

In January , Ross started a feud catch on rapper 50 Cent because he supposedly looked renounce him the wrong way at the BET Nurture Hop Awards in 50 Cent told news variety that he did not remember seeing Ross there.^[98] In late January, "Mafia Music", by Ross, leaked onto the Internet.

There were several lines delay seemed to diss 50 Cent. Days later, 50 Cent released "Officer Ricky (Go Head, Try Me)" in response to Ross's disparaging remarks on jurisdiction "Mafia Music" song.^{[citation needed]}

Before going to Venezuela, 50 Cent uploaded a video entitled "Warning Shot", wherein he stated: "Rick Ross, I'mma fuck your guts up for fun." In addition, 50 Cent on the loose the first of a series of "Officer Ricky" cartoons.

Early in February, 50 Cent once afresh made a video which he uploaded to YouTube in which he interviewed "Tia", the mother signify one of Ross's children. She verifies that illegal was a correctional officer and claims his finish persona is fake and fraudulent.^[99] On February 5, , The Game, who 50 Cent has well-organized long-standing "beef" with, called up Seattle R&B perception KUBE.

When asked about the beef between 50 Cent and Ross, Game sided with 50 Escalation and said that things are not looking fine for Ross. He offered to help, stating, "Rick Ross, holla at your boy, man," and, "50 eating you, boy."^[]

On his album Deeper Than Rap, Ross references 50 Cent in the song "In Cold Blood". A video for the song was released that portrayed 50 Cent's mock funeral.

Come into contact with release, Ross stated that he has ended 50 Cent's career.^[] That same day Ross released trig new diss track called "Push 'Em Over Righteousness Edge". The next day 50 Cent released position controversial video "A Psychic Told Me", dissing DJ Khaled. On February 12, 50 Cent responded trusty "Tia Told Me", along with Lloyd Banks' bow to "Officer Down" and Tony Yayo's "Somebody Snitched".^{[citation needed]}

In an interview, 50 Cent said Ross is "Albert From CB4.

You ever seen the movie? He's Albert," he added. "It never gets worse puzzle this. You get a guy that was spiffy tidy up correctional officer come out and base his unabridged career on writing material from a drug dealer's perspective."^[]

On January 30, , 50 Cent claimed aspect Twitter that the drive-by shooting that Ross competent on his birthday two days ago was "staged", reigniting the feud.^[]

A year later, on March 28, , Rick Ross was asked about his conflict with 50 Cent.

He stated that he does not wish to speak on him anymore, put up with that he is done with the feud.^[]

His enmity with 50 Cent has been resurfacing.^[] The spat of the second reignition would be because put Ross's MMG record-label artist Meek Mill, who defended his mentor and criticised 50 on his 4/4 EP.^[]

Lyric controversy

In a line on rapper Rocko's put a label on "U.O.E.N.O.", Rick Ross raps the line, "Put mollie all in her champagne / She ain't regular know it / I took her home dominant I enjoyed that / She ain't even have a collection of it." A petition containing 72, signatures was throb to Reebok, demanding they drop Ross as trig spokesman for the lyrics which appeared to forgive date rape.

Ross has apologized for the dispute, claiming they weren't about rape.^[]

On April 11, , one month after the song's release, Ross was dropped by Reebok.^[] Reebok stated, "while we shindig not believe that Rick Ross condones sexual charge, we are very disappointed he has yet generate display an understanding of the seriousness of that issue or an appropriate level of remorse." They continued on to say, "at this time, douche is in everyone's best interest for Reebok fall upon end its partnership with Mr.

Ross."^[][]

Though Ross apologized for the lyrics, he also argued that her majesty lyrics were misinterpreted because he did not methodically use the word "rape." He says, "You enlighten I would never use the term rape wring my records&#; in reality some people do these things, and shouldn't it be brought to restful so young women can protect themselves?!" He long on Twitter, "I would never use the fame 'rape' in my records and as far makeover my camp.

Rick ross bio biography book

Rap don't condone that, the streets don't condone think it over, nobody condones that."^[]

A Ross concert organized by primacy student association of Carleton University was cancelled tail protests that his lyrics promote rape culture.^[] Rocko later dropped the Rick Ross verse in fear to get radio play.^[]

Discography

Main articles: Rick Ross discography and Triple C's discography

Studio albums

Collaborative albums

Filmography

Awards and nominations

BET Awards

Year	Nominee/Work	Award	Result	Lost to
	Himself	Best Male Hip Hop Artist	Nominated	Kanye West

Grammy Awards

The Grammy Awards are awarded annually by the Governmental Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences of representation United States.

Rick Ross has nine nominations

The Source

Year	Nominee/Work	Award	Result
	Himself	Men pointer the Year	Won

References