Rick Ross Biography: Age, Net Worth & Career

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Jon Smith

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Rick Ross is 50 years old, born William Leonard Roberts II on January 28, 1976, in Clarksdale, Mississippi. Known worldwide as "The Boss," Rick Ross is an American rapper, record executive, and entrepreneur whose booming voice and larger-than-life luxury persona made him one of hip-hop's most recognizable figures. His breakthrough single "Hustlin'" and debut album Port of Miami launched a career that has since spanned twelve studio albums, a Grammy-nominated catalog, and a business empire built on fast-food franchises, real estate, and his own record label, Maybach Music Group. Estimates place his net worth at around $150 million, reflecting a fortune built as much on ownership as on music.

Rick Ross Biography: Age, Net Worth & Career quick facts

Quick Facts

AttributeDetail
Full NameWilliam Leonard Roberts II
BornJanuary 28, 1976
Age50 years old
BirthplaceClarksdale, Mississippi, USA
OccupationRapper, record executive, entrepreneur
NationalityAmerican
Height5'11" (180 cm)
Spouse/PartnerNot married; previously linked with Jazzma Kendrick
ChildrenAt least 4 (widely reported as four or five)
Estimated Net WorthAround $150 million

Early Life and Career

William Leonard Roberts II was born on January 28, 1976, in Clarksdale, Mississippi, and raised in Carol City, Florida, an area of Miami known for its tough streets. Growing up, he listened to artists like the Notorious B.I.G. and Luke, whose Southern bounce influenced the style he would later perfect. He played football at Miami Carol City Senior High School and earned a football scholarship to Albany State University, a historically Black college.

Before music, Ross briefly worked as a correctional officer for about 18 months, from December 1995 until June 1997, after which he resigned. He entered hip-hop in 2000 under the pseudonym Teflon Da Don, appearing on "Ain't Shh to Discuss" on Erick Sermon's album for DreamWorks, and later changed his stage name to Rick Ross, a name he derived from former drug kingpin "Freeway" Rick Ross.

His breakout came in 2006 with the single "Hustlin'," a street anthem that became one of the defining rap records of the year. The song landed him a deal with Def Jam Records, where he worked alongside Jay-Z, and his debut album Port of Miami reached No. 1 on the Billboard 200. He followed it with Trilla, Deeper Than Rap, and God Forgives, I Don't, each debuting at or near the top of the charts and cementing his luxury-rap sound built on cinematic beats and vivid storytelling.

In 2008, Ross founded his own record label, Maybach Music Group (MMG). The label became a launchpad for stars including Meek Mill and Wale, turning Ross from a rapper into a full-fledged music executive. Over the years he earned multiple Grammy nominations and BET Hip Hop Awards recognition while collaborating with Drake, DJ Khaled, Nicki Minaj, French Montana, and Meek Mill, among many others.

Ross released his twelfth studio album, Set in Stone, on July 17, 2026 — his first solo LP since Richer Than I Ever Been (2021), ending the longest gap between solo albums of his career. The 19-track project, released through Maybach Music Group under an exclusive license to Gamma, featured guests including T.I., Jeezy, Gucci Mane, French Montana, Kodak Black, and Don Toliver. The release coincided with the 20th anniversary of Port of Miami, which Ross marked with a 17-city orchestral anniversary tour.

Personal Life

Rick Ross has never been married. He was briefly engaged to Lira "Galore" Mercer in 2015, and more recently was in a relationship with Miami-based content creator Jazzma Kendrick. Ross has at least four children — Toie Roberts, William Roberts III, Berkeley Hermes Roberts, and Billion Leonard Roberts — though some reports cite five. In 2021, he agreed to pay $11,000 per month in child support related to three of his children with ex-girlfriend Briana Singleton. Ross is a Christian and has said he prays before going on stage.

His health history has been a public part of his story. In 2011, he suffered two seizures within six hours of each other, which twice forced his private jet to make emergency landings. The scare prompted a major lifestyle overhaul: he cut out sodas, changed his diet, and adopted his own workout routine he calls "RossFit," shedding roughly 100 pounds. By 2025, reports noted he had maintained the weight loss and credited better diet, exercise, and sleep for improved energy and health.

In October 2026, Ross was arrested in Miami Beach on one felony charge of battery by strangulation and one misdemeanor charge of battery, both characterized as involving domestic violence, according to Miami-Dade County records reviewed by USA Today and PEOPLE. He surrendered on October 1, 2026, was released from the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center on bond, and pleaded not guilty. His attorney Steve Sadow said Ross was "being wrongfully accused by an ex-girlfriend" and maintained his innocence, with an arraignment scheduled for October 22. The case was still pending, and the stay-away order entered as a pretrial condition remained in effect while the judicial process continued.

Net Worth

Rick Ross's net worth is estimated at around $150 million, with published estimates generally ranging from $120 million to $180 million depending on the source. Unlike many artists, his wealth is built as much on ownership as on music. He has said to own between 25 and 30 Wingstop franchises plus Checkers and Rally's locations, partnerships such as Luc Belaire sparkling wine and his RICH by Rick Ross grooming line, and a substantial real estate portfolio.

His most famous property is the Promise Land, a 109-room mansion on 235 acres in Fayetteville, Georgia — formerly owned by boxer Evander Holyfield — which he bought in 2014 for a reported $5.8 million. He also owns a mansion on Miami's Star Island. Ross claims a car collection of more than 100 vehicles, including Rolls-Royce, Maybach, and classic Chevrolets, though the exact count has not been independently verified. Music royalties from his catalog, touring income, franchise revenue, and endorsements round out the income streams behind the estimate.

Rick Ross Biography: Age, Net Worth & Career spotlight

Frequently Asked Questions

How old is Rick Ross?

Rick Ross is 50 years old. He was born William Leonard Roberts II on January 28, 1976, in Clarksdale, Mississippi, and was raised in Carol City, Florida.

What is Rick Ross's net worth?

Rick Ross's net worth is estimated at around $150 million. The estimate reflects his music catalog and touring income plus significant business holdings, including Wingstop and Checkers franchises and luxury real estate. Because valuations of private assets vary, published estimates range roughly from $120 million to $180 million.

What is Rick Ross's latest album?

Rick Ross's latest album is Set in Stone, his twelfth studio album, released on July 17, 2026, through Maybach Music Group under an exclusive license to Gamma. The 19-track project features guests such as T.I., Jeezy, Gucci Mane, Kodak Black, French Montana, and Don Toliver, and arrived as his first solo album in five years.

How many children does Rick Ross have?

Rick Ross has at least four children: Toie Roberts, William Roberts III, Berkeley Hermes Roberts, and Billion Leonard Roberts. Some reports cite five children. He is not married and has never publicly confirmed a wife.

How did Rick Ross lose weight?

After suffering two seizures within hours of each other in 2011, Rick Ross overhauled his lifestyle on his doctor's advice. He cut out sodas and late-night fast food, improved his sleep, and adopted a CrossFit-style workout routine he named "RossFit," losing roughly 100 pounds and maintaining much of the transformation in the years since.

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