Rick Ross, born William Leonard Roberts II on January 28, 1976, in Clarksdale, Mississippi, is a prominent rapper known for his distinctive voice and lyrical prowess. Growing up in Carol City, Florida, Ross was exposed to the gritty realities of street life from a young age, which would later influence his music.
Before making a name for himself in the music industry, Ross pursued a career in law enforcement and worked as a correctional officer in Florida. Despite his day job, Ross never lost sight of his true passion for music and began laying the foundation for his future success.
Ross's breakthrough came with the release of his debut album, "Port of Miami," in 2006, which debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 chart. The album showcased Ross's storytelling abilities and cemented his status as a rising star in the rap game.
Building on the success of his debut, Ross followed up with a string of hit albums, including "Trilla" and "Deeper Than Rap," which featured standout tracks like "Hustlin'" and "Magnificent." His unparalleled work ethic and dedication to his craft quickly earned him recognition as one of the hottest MCs in the industry.
In addition to his solo career, Ross is also the founder of Maybach Music Group, a record label that has introduced talented artists such as Meek Mill and Wale to the mainstream music scene. Through his label, Ross has continued to push boundaries and redefine the sound of modern hip-hop.
Despite his professional success, Ross's personal life has been marked by ups and downs. He has two children from a previous relationship, Toie and William III, and has been open about his struggles with meeting his child support obligations.
In 2017, Ross got engaged to Liz Hagelthorn after a whirlwind romance, and the couple welcomed their first child together in August 2020. Prior to his relationship with Liz, Ross was in a long-term relationship with Briana Camille, with whom he shares two children, Berkeley Hermès and Billion Leonard.
Throughout his career, Ross has collaborated with some of the biggest names in the music industry, including Lil Wayne, Jay-Z, and DJ Khaled. His distinctive sound and larger-than-life persona have solidified his status as a hip-hop icon and a trailblazer in the genre.
As Ross continues to evolve as an artist and entrepreneur, his legacy in the music industry remains unparalleled. From his humble beginnings in Florida to his rise to global stardom, Rick Ross's journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and artistic vision.