Rick Ross is an American rapper, songwriter, record executive and entrepreneur best known for hits such as Hustlin’, The Boss, Aston Martin Music and B.M.F. (Blowin’ Money Fast). He is also the founder of Maybach Music Group, the record label associated with artists including Meek Mill and Wale.
Born William Leonard Roberts II, Ross emerged as a major hip-hop star with his debut album Port of Miami in 2006. Two decades later, he remains active in music and business, releasing his 12th solo studio album, Set in Stone, in 2026.
Quick Facts About Rick Ross
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | William Leonard Roberts II |
| Stage Name | Rick Ross |
| Nicknames | Rozay, The Boss |
| Date of Birth | January 28, 1976 |
| Age | 50 years old |
| Birthplace | Clarksdale, Mississippi, United States |
| Raised In | Carol City, Florida |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Rapper, songwriter, record executive and entrepreneur |
| Record Label | Maybach Music Group |
| Debut Album | Port of Miami |
| Children | Five |
| Marital Status | Not publicly confirmed as married |
| Latest Album | Set in Stone |
| Estimated Net Worth | About $180 million |
Rick Ross Early Life and Family
Rick Ross was born William Leonard Roberts II on January 28, 1976, in Clarksdale, Mississippi. He was raised mainly in Carol City, Florida, an area that later became closely connected with his musical identity.
Ross attended Miami Carol City Senior High School. Sports were also part of his early life, and he later attended Albany State University in Georgia on a football scholarship.
Before becoming famous as a rapper, Ross worked as a correctional officer in Florida during the 1990s. He later left the job and concentrated increasingly on building a career in music.
His early experiences in South Florida strongly influenced the themes, language and larger-than-life image that became central to his rap career.
How Rick Ross Started His Music Career
Ross spent years developing his music before achieving mainstream success. He initially performed under the name Teflon Da Don before adopting Rick Ross as his stage name.
His major breakthrough came in 2006 with the single Hustlin’. The song created significant industry attention and helped him secure a major recording deal.
His debut studio album, Port of Miami, was released in August 2006. It debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, immediately establishing Ross as one of the leading new voices in Southern hip-hop.
Rather than disappearing after his first successful album, Ross continued releasing commercially successful projects and collaborations.
Rick Ross Albums and Music Career
Rick Ross followed Port of Miami with Trilla in 2008. The album also reached number one on the Billboard 200 and included songs such as The Boss featuring T-Pain.
His subsequent albums included Deeper Than Rap, Teflon Don, God Forgives, I Don’t, Mastermind, Hood Billionaire, Black Market, Rather You Than Me, Port of Miami 2 and Richer Than I Ever Been.
Songs such as Aston Martin Music, B.M.F. (Blowin’ Money Fast) and Stay Schemin’ became particularly popular with hip-hop audiences.
Ross has also collaborated with numerous major artists throughout his career, including Jay-Z, Drake, Lil Wayne, Kanye West, Chris Brown, DJ Khaled and Meek Mill.
In July 2026, Ross released Set in Stone, his 12th solo studio album. The project arrived during a year in which he was also celebrating the 20th anniversary of Port of Miami with a special tour.
Rick Ross and Maybach Music Group
Rick Ross expanded beyond recording his own music by establishing Maybach Music Group, commonly known as MMG.
The label became an important force in hip-hop during the 2010s. Artists associated with MMG have included Meek Mill, Wale and several other rappers and producers.
Ross used the label to build his reputation not only as an artist but also as a music executive.
Maybach Music Group also became closely connected with his luxury-oriented public image. The name appears frequently throughout his music and has developed into an important part of the Rick Ross brand.
Rick Ross Business Empire
Rick Ross has spent years building businesses outside music.
One of his best-known ventures is his involvement with Wingstop franchises. He and members of his family have owned numerous Wingstop locations, making restaurant franchising an important part of his business portfolio.
Ross has also invested heavily in real estate. One of his most famous properties is his large Georgia estate, often called The Promise Land.
The property previously belonged to boxing legend Evander Holyfield. Ross has used the estate for events, music-related activities and his popular car and bike show.
His other business interests have included beverage partnerships, fashion, merchandise, property investment and other brand collaborations.
Ross has frequently spoken about ownership and using income from entertainment to purchase assets that can produce long-term wealth.
Rick Ross Children
Rick Ross is the father of five children: Toie Roberts, William Roberts III, Berkeley Hermès Roberts, Billion Leonard Roberts and Bliss Roberts.
His eldest daughter, Toie, was born in 2002. His son William III was born in 2005 and has pursued college football.
Ross shares his three younger children, Berkeley, Billion and Bliss, with Briana Camille.
Fatherhood has also become connected with his approach to business. Ross has publicly discussed teaching his children about ownership and entrepreneurship.
He notably gave his son William a Wingstop franchise as a teenage birthday gift, explaining that he wanted him to begin learning about business and financial independence early.
Is Rick Ross Married?
Rick Ross has not publicly confirmed that he is married.
He has been involved in several highly publicised relationships over the years and was briefly engaged to model Lira Galore in 2015. However, that engagement ended before marriage.
Ross has also been linked romantically with several women in more recent years. Because his relationships can change and some reports rely heavily on social media speculation, his current relationship status is best regarded as private unless Ross confirms otherwise.
Therefore, references online to a “Rick Ross wife” should be treated carefully. He is not publicly established as having a wife as of 2026.
Rick Ross Health
Rick Ross has experienced several significant health scares during his career.
In 2011, he suffered seizures that required medical attention. Years later, another serious health incident led to hospitalisation.
Ross subsequently made lifestyle changes that included losing weight and paying greater attention to his health.
He has continued performing and touring, and in 2026 he remains active in music, entertainment and business.
Rick Ross Net Worth and Earnings
Rick Ross’ net worth is widely estimated at around $180 million in 2026. However, the exact amount of his wealth has not been independently audited or publicly disclosed.
His fortune comes from several sources rather than music alone. These include recording royalties, touring, Maybach Music Group, restaurant franchises, real estate and brand partnerships.
His large property portfolio and investments also contribute to estimates of his overall wealth.
Ross has repeatedly promoted the importance of turning entertainment income into ownership. His business strategy has helped him develop a public identity that extends well beyond being a successful rapper.
For this reason, the estimated $180 million figure should be regarded as an outside wealth estimate rather than an officially confirmed balance sheet.
Rick Ross in 2026
The Rick Ross biography now covers more than two decades of mainstream hip-hop success.
In 2026, Ross celebrated the 20th anniversary of Port of Miami with a special tour featuring orchestral elements. He also released his 12th solo studio album, Set in Stone, continuing his recording career at age 50.
His ability to combine music with entrepreneurship has become an important part of his legacy. From Maybach Music Group and restaurant franchises to real estate and touring, Ross has built one of hip-hop’s most recognisable business brands.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Who is Rick Ross?
Rick Ross is an American rapper, songwriter, record executive and entrepreneur. He became famous through his 2006 hit Hustlin’ and is also the founder of Maybach Music Group.
Q2: How old is Rick Ross?
Rick Ross is 50 years old as of 2026. He was born on January 28, 1976, in Clarksdale, Mississippi.
Q3: What is Rick Ross’ real name?
Rick Ross’ real name is William Leonard Roberts II. He adopted Rick Ross as his professional stage name during his music career.
Q4: What is Rick Ross’ net worth in 2026?
Rick Ross’ net worth is widely estimated at approximately $180 million in 2026. His wealth comes from music, restaurant franchises, real estate, business investments and brand partnerships.
Q5: How many children does Rick Ross have?
Rick Ross has five children: Toie, William III, Berkeley, Billion and Bliss. He has publicly spoken about teaching his children entrepreneurship and ownership.
Q6: Is Rick Ross married?
Rick Ross is not publicly confirmed as married as of 2026. He has had several public relationships and was previously engaged, but the engagement did not lead to marriage.
Q7: Does Rick Ross own Wingstop restaurants?
Yes. Rick Ross and his family have been involved in owning multiple Wingstop franchises. Restaurant franchising has become one of the best-known parts of his business portfolio outside music.
