Rick Ross

Early Life

William Leonard Roberts II, known professionally as Rick Ross, was born on January 28, 1976, in Clarksdale, Mississippi, and raised in Carol City, Florida. After graduating from Miami Carol City Senior High School, he attended Albany State University on a football scholarship. Before embarking on his music career, Ross worked as a correctional officer for 18 months, a role he left in 1997.

Career

Rick Ross began his music career under the name Teflon Da Don at Suave House Records, making his debut on the track "Ain't Shhh to Discuss". He later adopted the name Rick Ross, inspired by the infamous drug kingpin "Freeway" Rick Ross, despite having no personal connection to him. In 2006, Ross released his debut album, "Port of Miami", which debuted at number one on the U.S. Billboard 200, selling 187,000 copies in its first week. This success was followed by several acclaimed albums, including "Trilla", "Deeper Than Rap", and "Teflon Don", solidifying his place in the Southern hip-hop scene. Over the years, he has collaborated with numerous artists and has been a prominent figure in the genre of gangsta rap and trap music.

Personal Life

Rick Ross is a father to five children and was briefly engaged to Lira Mercer in 2015. He has faced health challenges, including two seizures in 2011 and a hospitalization for a possible heart attack in 2018, but has since recovered. A devout Christian, Ross emphasizes his faith, stating that he prays before every performance. His life story reflects a journey from humble beginnings to becoming a successful music executive and artist, known for his booming voice and vivid storytelling in his lyrics.