Rick Ross facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Rick Ross
Roberts in 2019
Born	William Leonard Roberts II (1976-01-28) January 28, 1976 (age 49) Clarksdale, Mississippi, U.S.
Other names	Rozay The Boss Renzel Teflon Da Don
Occupation	Rapper songwriter music executive
Years active	2000–present
Children	5
Awards	Full list
Musical career
Origin	Miami-Dade County, Florida, U.S.
Genres	Southern hip-hop
Labels	Gamma Epic Maybach Def Jam Suave House Atlantic Slip-n-Slide Poe Boy SALXCO
Associated acts	Triple C's DJ Khaled Drake French Montana Gucci Mane Jay-Z John Legend Lil Wayne Meek Mill Nas Omarion Puff Daddy T-Pain Wale
Signature

William Leonard Roberts II (born January 28, 1976), known professionally as Rick Ross, is an American rapper. He is known for his deep voice, strong personality, and vivid lyrics. His songs often tell stories of overcoming challenges and achieving success, describing wealth and luxury.

Before releasing his first song, "Hustlin'" in March 2006, Rick Ross was highly sought after by record labels. He signed a big deal with Jay-Z's Def Jam Recordings. In August 2006, his first album, Port of Miami, became number one on the Billboard 200 chart. His next two albums, Trilla (2008) and Deeper Than Rap (2009), also reached the top spot.

His fourth album, Teflon Don (2010), included the popular song "Aston Martin Music" featuring Drake. This song sold over three million copies. His albums God Forgives, I Don't (2012) and Mastermind (2014) also topped the Billboard 200 chart.

Besides his solo work, Ross was a main member of the hip hop group Triple C's starting in 2005. In 2008, he started his own record label, Maybach Music Group (MMG). He signed famous artists like Meek Mill, Wale, and French Montana to MMG. His later albums, including Hood Billionaire (2014) and Port of Miami 2 (2019), were released through MMG in partnership with other labels. In 2023, he released a collaborative album, Too Good to Be True, with Meek Mill. Rick Ross has been nominated for nine Grammy Awards. He was also named "Man of the Year" by The Source magazine in 2010 and 2011, and "Hottest MC in the Game" by MTV in 2011.

Early Life and Education

William Leonard Roberts II was born in Clarksdale, Mississippi. He grew up in Carol City, Florida. After finishing high school at Miami Carol City Senior High School, he went to Albany State University. He attended on a football scholarship.

Music Career Journey

Starting Out in Music

In his early career, Roberts used the name Teflon Da Don. He first appeared on a song called "Ain't Shhh to Discuss" in 2000. In the mid-2000s, he changed his stage name to Rick Ross.

He signed with Suave House Records and later with Slip-n-Slide Records. While with Slip-n-Slide, Rick Ross toured with rapper Trick Daddy. He also made guest appearances on other artists' albums.

First Albums: Port of Miami and Trilla

Rick Ross released his first album, Port of Miami, in August 2006. It quickly became number one on the U.S. Billboard 200 album chart. The album sold 187,000 copies in its first week. Rolling Stone magazine thought it would be "the summer's biggest rap record."

The second song from the album was "Push It." Its music video was inspired by the movie Scarface. Port of Miami was certified Gold in November 2006, meaning it sold over 500,000 copies.

In March 2008, his second album, Trilla, also debuted at the top of the Billboard 200. Its first song, "Speedin'" featuring R. Kelly, did well on the charts. The next song, "The Boss" featuring T-Pain, was also a hit. MTV News ranked Rick Ross as one of the top MCs in 2008.

2009: Deeper Than Rap

In May 2009, Rick Ross was featured on the cover of XXL magazine. The magazine cover showed him wearing sunglasses. There was a discussion about whether the sunglasses were real, but it was later confirmed they were authentic Louis Vuitton sunglasses that had been changed by an artist.

2010–2013: Rise to Fame

Rick Ross had many successes in 2010. He released his fourth album, Teflon Don, on July 20, 2010. The album debuted at number two on the Billboard 200. It sold 176,000 copies in its first week.

In November 2010, rapper Diddy announced he was working on an album with Rick Ross. Ross ended 2010 by releasing a mixtape called Ashes To Ashes.

Rick Ross performing in 2011.

In early 2011, Rick Ross signed rappers Wale and Meek Mill to his Maybach Music Group label. The group released their first album, Self Made Vol. 1, in May. Rick Ross also performed at the BET Awards 2011. In early 2012, MTV named him the "Hottest MC in the Game."

Big things continued for Ross in 2012. He released his Rich Forever mixtape. His MMG group released their second album, Self Made Vol. 2, in June 2012. Rick Ross's fifth album, God Forgives, I Don't, came out on July 31, 2012. This album reached number one on the Billboard 200. It sold 218,000 copies in its first week. The album was certified gold in less than two months.

On January 7, 2013, Ross announced his sixth album would be called Mastermind. The first song from the album, "Box Chevy," was released in February 2013.

In May 2013, Rick Ross and Birdman announced they would release a mixtape called The H. This project was recorded in 2008. On September 5, 2013, Ross released the first official song from Mastermind, "No Games" featuring Future.

2014: Two Albums in One Year

Rick Ross released his sixth album, Mastermind, in March 2014. It received good reviews and debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart. It sold 179,000 copies in its first week.

In October 2014, Ross announced he would release another album, Hood Billionaire. This was to make up for Meek Mill's album being delayed. Hood Billionaire was released on November 24, 2014.

2015–2020: New Record Deals and Albums

In 2015, Ross started calling himself "Renzel" on Snapchat, a playful reference to actor Denzel Washington. In September, Ross released a mixtape, Black Dollar. He then announced his eighth album, Black Market, which came out in December 2015. This was his last album under his original contract with Def Jam.

In January 2016, Rick Ross signed a new solo deal with Epic Records. This reunited him with L.A. Reid, who had helped sign him to Def Jam earlier.

Ross was very active in 2016. He released many songs, including "Purple Lamborghini" with Skrillex for the Suicide Squad: The Album soundtrack. He announced his ninth album, Rather You Than Me, which was released in March 2017. It reached number three on the Billboard 200.

On June 22, 2018, Ross released "Green Gucci Suit" with Future. This was the second song from his tenth album, Port of Miami 2, which came out on August 9, 2019. This album debuted at number two on the Billboard 200. The album included the song "Gold Roses" with Drake, which was nominated for a Grammy Award.

Rick Ross performs with Ellie the Elephant and the Torch Patrol at halftime of a New York Liberty Game during the 2024 WNBA Playoffs.

In August 2020, Ross released the song "Pinned to the Cross."

2021–Present: Richer Than I Ever Been

On August 26, 2020, Rick Ross announced his eleventh album, Richer Than I Ever Been. It was released on December 10, 2021.

On September 7, 2021, Ross's book The Perfect Day to Boss Up became a bestseller on The New York Times list.

Personal Life

Family and Health

Rick Ross has five children: Toie Roberts (born 2002), William Roberts III (born 2005), Berkeley Hermès Roberts (born 2017), Billion Leonard Roberts (born 2018), and Bliss Roberts (born 2020).

In October 2011, Ross experienced two seizures in one day. He was taken to a hospital and doctors said he was healthy. Ross believed it was due to not getting enough sleep. In March 2018, he was hospitalized again but was released a few days later.

Beliefs and Businesses

Rick Ross is a Christian. He has said that he never questions God, no matter what he goes through. He also prays every time he performs on stage.

As of 2017, Ross owns several Wingstop restaurant locations. Wingstop is a fast-food chain known for its chicken wings.

Discography

Studio Albums

• Port of Miami (2006)
• Trilla (2008)
• Deeper Than Rap (2009)
• Teflon Don (2010)
• God Forgives, I Don't (2012)
• Mastermind (2014)
• Hood Billionaire (2014)
• Black Market (2015)
• Rather You Than Me (2017)
• Port of Miami 2 (2019)
• Richer Than I Ever Been (2021)

Collaborative Albums

• Custom Cars & Cycles (with Triple C's) (2009)
• Too Good to Be True (with Meek Mill) (2023)

Filmography

Awards and Nominations

BET Awards

Grammy Awards

The Grammy Awards are given out every year in the United States. Rick Ross has received nine nominations.

The Source Awards

See also

In Spanish: Rick Ross para niños