Rick Ross

Over 7.4M+ followers on spotify, Popular for dirty south rap, gangster rap, hip hop, rap, southern hip hop, trap music genre.

Born William Leonard Roberts II on January 28, 1976, in Clarksdale, Mississippi, Rick Ross was raised in the bustling Miami suburb of Carol City, Florida. This diverse and dynamic setting would later influence his musical style and thematic content. Growing up, Ross was surrounded by a myriad of musical influences, from the smooth rhythms of R&B to the streetwise narratives of hip-hop. His early life was a reflection of the socio-economic challenges prevalent in urban America, but it was within these challenges that Ross found his voice. Ross attended Miami Carol City Senior High School, an environment that further exposed him to various musical currents. His interest in music was piqued during his teenage years when he began delving into the artistry of icons such as Tupac Shakur, Notorious B.I.G., and Luther Campbell of 2 Live Crew. This blend of hardcore rap and the Miami bass sound would form the foundation of his sonic landscape. Despite initial ambitions to pursue football, having briefly attended Albany State University on a football scholarship, Ross soon realized his true calling lay within the music industry. He adopted the stage name Rick Ross, inspired by the notorious drug dealer “Freeway” Rick Ross, which hinted at the thematic grit and realness he would bring to his music. By harnessing the struggles and stories prevalent in his surroundings, Ross began his journey toward carving out a unique legacy in the hip-hop world.

Rick Ross burst onto the music scene with a style and flair that quickly set him apart. His debut single, “Hustlin’,” released in 2006, was an immediate hit, introducing the world to his deep, authoritative voice and unique storytelling style. The infectious hook ‘Every day I'm hustlin’ became a mantra for many and quickly propelled Ross into the spotlight. His debut album, 'Port of Miami', debuted at number one on the U.S. Billboard 200, turning Rick Ross from a Miami phenomenon into a national sensation. From there, Ross’s career trajectory was one of steady, deliberate elevation. With each subsequent album, including 'Trilla' (2008), 'Deeper Than Rap' (2009), and 'Teflon Don' (2010), Ross honed his persona, blending luxurious tales of wealth with introspective lyrics that hinted at deeper layers. Throughout his evolution, Ross maintained a firm grip on the industry, adapting to changes while staying true to his core themes of opulence and grit. Albums such as 'God Forgives, I Don't' (2012) and 'Mastermind' (2014) showcased Ross's ability to maintain relevancy by collaborating with new and reigning artists, such as Jay-Z, Drake, and Kanye West. His style evolved from raw street tales to sophisticated narratives of luxury, underscoring his ability to adapt and grow within the ever-evolving hip-hop landscape.

Rick Ross’s discography is a testament to his consistent presence in hip-hop. Starting with his debut album 'Port of Miami' in 2006, which was certified gold, he established a pattern of success. His second record, 'Trilla', released in 2008, continued this trend, debuting at number one on the Billboard 200, featuring hits like 'The Boss' and 'Here I Am'. By the time 'Deeper Than Rap' came out in 2009, Ross had solidified his image and musical style. This album was a critical success, displaying his lyrical prowess and capacity for storytelling. Following this, 'Teflon Don' in 2010 further cemented his status, featuring hits like ‘B.M.F. (Blowin' Money Fast)’ and ‘Aston Martin Music’. With each release, Ross explored different themes and styles while never straying far from his roots. Records like 'God Forgives, I Don't' (2012), 'Mastermind' (2014), 'Hood Billionaire' (2014), and 'Black Market' (2015) consistently placed him among the top-tier artists of the genre. His later works, including 'Rather You Than Me' (2017) and 'Port of Miami 2' (2019), saw him reflecting on his journey and legacy, while 'Richer Than I Ever Been' (2021) underscored his undying relevance and adaptability.

Rick Ross’s catalog is abundant with hits that have not only topped charts but have also become anthems. His breakout single “Hustlin’” from 2006 set the pace, becoming a cultural catchphrase and peaking at number 54 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song’s success was a formidable indicator of Ross’s potential to dominate the hip-hop scene. ‘B.M.F. (Blowin' Money Fast)’ featuring Styles P, off his 'Teflon Don' album, became another major hit, capturing the essence of his lavish lifestyle and fearless persona. The track resonated deeply within the hip-hop community, further amplifying his influence and musical reach. ‘Aston Martin Music,’ featuring Chrisette Michele and Drake, showed Ross’s more melodic side, reaching number 30 on the Billboard Hot 100 and becoming a fan favorite for its lush production and smooth vocals. Other notable chart-toppers include ‘The Boss’ featuring T-Pain, which peaked at number 17 on the Hot 100, and ‘Here I Am’ featuring Nelly and Avery Storm. Ross has consistently delivered tracks that perform well on streaming platforms, regularly surpassing tens of millions of streams, further validating his staying power in a competitive industry landscape.

Rick Ross’s prowess is not limited to his solo discography; his collaborative efforts are just as impactful. A key to his sustained success has been his ability to tap into the talents of contemporaries and rising stars alike. Ross has worked with a plethora of artists across genres, ranging from hip-hop heavyweights to pop icons. Notably, his work with Jay-Z has been recurrent and highlights a mutual respect and complementary dynamic. Tracks such as 'Freemason' and 'The Devil Is a Lie' stand as monuments to their combined lyrical dexterity and thematic synergy. In addition, Ross’s collaborations with Drake have resulted in commercially successful and critically acclaimed hits like 'Lord Knows' and 'Diced Pineapples'. Through these partnerships, Ross demonstrates a versatility and keen ability to blend his style with diverse musical elements. Ross has also lent his signature southern grit to tracks with artists like Lil Wayne, Nas, and Kanye West, proving his adaptability and broad appeal. His feature on Kanye’s 'Monster,' alongside Jay-Z and Nicki Minaj, is often lauded as one of his most powerful verses. Besides vocal features, Ross has an eye for production and has played a role in bringing other talents to the forefront through his label, Maybach Music Group.