William Leonard Roberts II, better known as Rick Ross, is a prominent figure in contemporary hip-hop. His music is characterized by his powerful voice, larger-than-life personality, and evocative lyrics that often depict the journey from street life to wealth and success. Ross's music frequently explores themes of affluence, luxury, and overcoming hardship.
January 28, 1976: Birth of Rick Ross
William Leonard Roberts II, known professionally as Rick Ross, was born on January 28, 1976.
December 1995: Rick Ross Starts Work as a Correctional Officer
In December 1995, Rick Ross began working as a correctional officer.
1995: Start of Correctional Officer Employment
Rick Ross began working as a correctional officer in Florida in 1995.
June 1997: Rick Ross Leaves Correctional Officer Job
Rick Ross resigned from his position as a correctional officer in June 1997.
1997: End of Correctional Officer Employment
Rick Ross ended his employment as a correctional officer in Florida in 1997, after an 18-month stint.
March 2002: Birth of Toie Roberts
Rick Ross's daughter, Toie Roberts, was born in March 2002.
September 2005: Birth of William Roberts III
Rick Ross's son, William Roberts III, was born in September 2005.
2005: Formation of Triple C's
Rick Ross became a leading member of the hip hop group Triple C's, alongside Gunplay and Torch, in 2005.
March 2006: "Hustlin'" Release and Record Deal
Rick Ross released his debut single, "Hustlin'," in March 2006. This led to a bidding war, and he eventually signed with Def Jam Recordings.
August 2006: Release of Debut Album 'Port of Miami'
Rick Ross released his debut album, 'Port of Miami,' in August 2006. It debuted at the top of the U.S. Billboard 200.
November 8, 2006: 'Port of Miami' Certified Gold
On November 8, 2006, Rick Ross's debut album, 'Port of Miami,' was certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America.
2006: Signing with Slip-n-Slide Records
Rick Ross signed with Slip-n-Slide Records in 2006, which was under Def Jam. He toured with Trick Daddy and made guest appearances.
January 2008: Rick Ross Arrested on Gun and Marijuana Charges
In January 2008, Rick Ross was arrested on gun and marijuana charges. During the deposition, an officer indicated that Ross's case was assigned to the gang task force due to his alleged gang affiliations.
March 2008: 'Trilla' Debuts at Number One
Rick Ross's second album, 'Trilla,' was released in March 2008, and like his first album, debuted at the top of the Billboard 200.
July 2008: Correctional Officer Past Revealed
In July 2008, The Smoking Gun revealed Rick Ross's past employment as a correctional officer, which he initially denied but later admitted. 'Freeway' Ricky Ross took offense to Roberts using his name upon learning about this past employment.
August 2008: DJ Vlad Lawsuit Against Rick Ross
In August 2008, DJ Vlad filed a lawsuit against Rick Ross for assault and battery, alleging Ross orchestrated an ambush on him at the 2008 Ozone Awards for questions about his past.
2008: The H Initial Announcement
In 2008, Rick Ross and Birdman first announced their plan to release a collaborative album titled 'The H.'
2008: Incident at BET Hip Hop Awards Sparks Feud
In 2008, an incident at the BET Hip Hop Awards allegedly sparked a feud between Rick Ross and 50 Cent, although 50 Cent claimed not to remember seeing Ross there.
2008: Founding of Maybach Music Group (MMG)
Rick Ross founded his record label, Maybach Music Group (MMG), in 2008.
2008: Release of 'Trilla'
Rick Ross released his second studio album, 'Trilla', in 2008.
January 2009: Rick Ross Feud with 50 Cent Begins
In January 2009, Rick Ross started a feud with 50 Cent, leading to a series of diss tracks and public exchanges between the two rappers.
February 5, 2009: 50 Cent and The Game Discuss Feud with Rick Ross
On February 5, 2009, 50 Cent released more content targeting Rick Ross, and The Game sided with 50 Cent during a radio interview, expressing that Ross was losing the feud.
May 2009: Controversy over Sunglasses in XXL Magazine
The May 2009 issue of XXL magazine featured Rick Ross on the cover wearing modified Louis Vuitton sunglasses. While Ross maintained the sunglasses were authentic, Louis Vuitton stated that modifying and reselling trademarked items was illegal.
2009: Release of 'Deeper Than Rap'
Rick Ross released his third studio album, 'Deeper Than Rap', in 2009.
2009: Signing with Ciroc Entertainment
In 2009, Diddy signed Rick Ross to a management deal with his company Ciroc Entertainment.
June 2010: Rick Ross Sued by 'Freeway' Ricky Ross
In June 2010, 'Freeway' Ricky Ross sued Rick Ross for using his name, seeking $10 million in damages and threatening to block the release of the album Teflon Don.
July 3, 2010: Lawsuit Thrown Out Against Rick Ross
On July 3, 2010, the lawsuit filed by 'Freeway' Ricky Ross was thrown out of court. The album Teflon Don was subsequently released on July 20, 2010.
July 20, 2010: 'Teflon Don' is Released
Rick Ross released his fourth studio album, 'Teflon Don,' on July 20, 2010.
November 2010: Collaboration with Diddy
Diddy announced in November 2010 that he and Rick Ross were collaborating on an EP. They released a single, "Another One."
2010: The Source Names Rick Ross "Man of the Year"
In 2010, Rick Ross received the accolade "Man of the Year" from the hip hop magazine The Source.
2010: Release of 'Teflon Don'
Rick Ross released his fourth album, 'Teflon Don,' in 2010, featuring the hit single "Aston Martin Music."
March 26, 2011: Rick Ross Arrested for Marijuana Possession in Shreveport
On March 26, 2011, Rick Ross was arrested in Shreveport for marijuana possession after a strong odor was detected from his hotel room.
June 26, 2011: Rick Ross Performs at BET Awards
On June 26, 2011, Rick Ross performed at the BET Awards and was nominated for Best Male Hip Hop Artist.
October 14, 2011: Seizures and Hospitalization
Rick Ross experienced two seizures on October 14, 2011, leading to hospitalization in Birmingham, Alabama. Doctors attributed the episodes to sleep deprivation.
2011: Rick Ross Receives Two Major Honors
Rick Ross had a big year in 2011, being named "Man of the Year" by The Source for the second consecutive year and earning the title of "Hottest MC in the Game" from MTV.
2011: Refiling of Lawsuit by 'Freeway' Ricky Ross
In 2011, 'Freeway' Ricky Ross refiled his lawsuit against Rick Ross in California state court, with the federal case on appeal in the Ninth Circuit.
2011: Teflon Don Trademark Infringement Lawsuit
In 2011, rapper Teflon Don filed a trademark infringement lawsuit against Rick Ross over the use of the name as an album title.
May 2012: Dismissal of 'Freeway' Ricky Ross Lawsuit
In May 2012, the refiled case by 'Freeway' Ricky Ross was dismissed by a judge in the Los Angeles Superior Court.
June 2012: 'Self Made Vol. 2' Release
Rick Ross's MMG group released their second compilation album, 'Self Made Vol. 2,' in June 2012.
July 2012: Motion in Favor of 'Freeway' Ricky Ross
In July 2012, a motion was ruled in favor of 'Freeway' Ricky Ross regarding Warner Bros. Records' use of the name and image Rick Ross.
July 31, 2012: 'God Forgives, I Don't' Debuts at Number One
Rick Ross's album 'God Forgives, I Don't' was released on July 31, 2012. The album topped the Billboard 200 and achieved a top 10 position in the United Kingdom.
2012: Named MTV's Hottest MC in the Game
Rick Ross was named MTV's Hottest MC in the Game in 2012.
2012: Release of 'God Forgives, I Don't'
Rick Ross's fifth studio album, 'God Forgives, I Don't,' was released in 2012.
January 7, 2013: 'Mastermind' Album Announcement
On January 7, 2013, Rick Ross announced the title of his upcoming sixth album would be 'Mastermind.'
January 27, 2013: Drive-by Shooting
Rick Ross and his girlfriend were targets of a drive-by shooting in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on January 27, 2013, while celebrating Ross's 37th birthday. They were uninjured but crashed their car while escaping.
January 30, 2013: 50 Cent Claims Rick Ross Staged Drive-By Shooting
On January 30, 2013, 50 Cent claimed via Twitter that a recent drive-by shooting targeting Rick Ross was staged, reigniting their ongoing feud.
February 15, 2013: "Box Chevy" Release
Rick Ross released "Box Chevy," the first promotional single from his upcoming album, 'Mastermind,' on February 15, 2013.
April 1, 2013: "Box Chevy" Music Video Filmed
The music video for Rick Ross's single "Box Chevy" was filmed on April 1, 2013, and featured cameos from other MMG members.
April 11, 2013: Reebok Drops Rick Ross Over Lyrics Controversy
On April 11, 2013, Reebok ended its partnership with Rick Ross following controversy over his lyrics in Rocko's song 'U.O.E.N.O.', citing his lack of understanding and remorse regarding the issue.
May 16, 2013: The H Announcement
On May 16, 2013, Birdman and Rick Ross announced their collaborative mixtape 'The H', hosted by DJ Khaled, after years of anticipation since its initial announcement in 2008.
May 23, 2013: The H Release
Birdman and Rick Ross released their collaborative mixtape 'The H,' hosted by DJ Khaled, on May 23, 2013. The project had been recorded in 2008.
September 5, 2013: "No Games" Premiere
Rick Ross premiered "No Games," the first single from his album 'Mastermind,' featuring Future, on September 5, 2013.
December 30, 2013: Court Rules in Favor of Rick Ross
On December 30, 2013, the court ruled in favor of Rick Ross, allowing him to keep his name based on a First Amendment ruling.
2013: Concert Cancellation Due to Lyrics Controversy
In 2013, a Rick Ross concert at Carleton University was cancelled after protests against his lyrics, which were seen as promoting rape culture. Rocko also removed Ross's verse to gain radio play.
2013: Rick Ross Fails to Appear in Court for Marijuana Violation
In 2013, Rick Ross reportedly failed to appear in court for a marijuana violation related to a previous North Carolina arrest.
2013: Controversy Over Lyrics in 'U.O.E.N.O.'
In 2013, Rick Ross faced backlash for lyrics in Rocko's song 'U.O.E.N.O.' that seemed to condone date rape, leading to a petition and public outcry.
March 2014: Multiple Projects in Two Years
Between March 2014 and December 2015, Rick Ross had released three full-length projects: 'Mastermind,' 'Hood Billionaire,' and 'Black Dollar.'
March 2014: 'Mastermind' Release
Rick Ross's sixth studio album, 'Mastermind,' was released in March 2014 and debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart.
March 28, 2014: Rick Ross Ends Feud with 50 Cent
On March 28, 2014, Rick Ross declared that he was done with the feud with 50 Cent and did not wish to speak about him anymore.
April 8, 2014: 'Mastermind' Sales Milestone
As of April 8, 2014, Rick Ross's album 'Mastermind' had sold over 290,000 copies in the United States.
June 2014: 'Sisterhood of Hip Hop' Appearance
In June 2014, Rick Ross's guest appearance on the docu-series 'Sisterhood of Hip Hop' was announced.
June 27, 2014: Rick Ross Arrested in Greensboro
On June 27, 2014, Rick Ross was arrested in Greensboro following a performance, stemming from a year-old warrant related to a marijuana possession charge.
October 2014: 'Hood Billionaire' Announcement
Rick Ross announced his seventh studio album, 'Hood Billionaire,' in October 2014, intending to fill the void left by Meek Mill's postponed album.
November 24, 2014: 'Hood Billionaire' Release
Rick Ross released his seventh studio album, 'Hood Billionaire,' on November 24, 2014.
2014: Release of 'Mastermind'
Rick Ross's sixth studio album, 'Mastermind,' was released in 2014.
2014: Release of 'Hood Billionaire'
Rick Ross released his album 'Hood Billionaire' in 2014 under MMG's joint venture with Def Jam.
June 24, 2015: Rick Ross Arrested for Kidnapping and Assault
On June 24, 2015, Rick Ross and his bodyguard were arrested in Georgia on kidnapping and assault charges for allegedly beating a landskeeper over money owed.
December 4, 2015: 'Black Market' Release
'Black Market,' Rick Ross's eighth studio album and final one with Def Jam, was released on December 4, 2015. The album's song "Free Enterprise" sparked controversy for its lyric about Donald Trump.
December 2015: 'Black Market' Announcement
Rick Ross announced his eighth studio album, 'Black Market,' in December 2015.
2015: Engagement to Lira "Galore" Mercer
Rick Ross was briefly engaged to Lira "Galore" Mercer in 2015.
2015: Release of 'Black Market'
Rick Ross released his album 'Black Market' in 2015 under MMG's partnership with Def Jam.
January 2016: Signing with Epic Records
Rick Ross signed a solo deal with Epic Records in January 2016, reuniting with L.A. Reid.
February 21, 2016: "Famous" Remix Release
On February 21, 2016, Rick Ross released his remix of Kanye West's "Famous."
March 2017: 'Rather You Than Me' Release
Rick Ross's ninth studio album, 'Rather You Than Me,' was released in March 2017 and peaked at number three on the Billboard 200.
April 4, 2017: Rick Ross Pleads No Contest to Aggravated Assault
On April 4, 2017, Rick Ross pled no contest to aggravated assault charges, resulting in a sentence of time served and a $10,000 fine.
September 2017: Birth of Berkeley Hermès Roberts
Rick Ross's child, Berkeley Hermès Roberts, was born in September 2017.
2017: Rick Ross Owns Wingstop Locations
As of 2017, Rick Ross owned several Wingstop restaurant locations, a fast-food chain specializing in chicken wings.
2017: Controversy over Comments About Female Rappers
Rick Ross faced criticism in 2017 for comments about not signing female rappers, which were deemed sexist. He later apologized for the remarks.
2017: Release of 'Rather You Than Me'
Rick Ross's album 'Rather You Than Me' was released in 2017 under MMG.
February 2, 2018: "Florida Boy" Release
On February 2, 2018, Rick Ross released "Florida Boy" with T-Pain and Kodak Black, the first single from his tenth studio album, 'Port of Miami 2.'
March 2, 2018: Hospitalization for Possible Heart Attack
Rick Ross was hospitalized and placed on life support after being found unresponsive in his Miami home on March 2, 2018, due to a possible heart attack. He was released from the hospital a few days later.
June 22, 2018: "Green Gucci Suit" Release
Rick Ross released "Green Gucci Suit" with Future, the second single from his tenth studio album 'Port of Miami 2,' on June 22, 2018.
November 2018: Birth of Billion Leonard Roberts
Rick Ross's child, Billion Leonard Roberts, was born in November 2018.
August 9, 2019: 'Port of Miami 2' Release
Rick Ross's tenth studio album, 'Port of Miami 2,' was released on August 9, 2019, and debuted at number two on the Billboard 200.
2019: Release of 'Port of Miami 2'
Rick Ross released 'Port of Miami 2' in 2019 under his label, MMG.
July 2020: "Entanglements" Release
In July 2020, Rick Ross collaborated with August Alsina on "Entanglements," a diss track aimed at Jada Pinkett Smith.
August 2020: "Pinned to the Cross" Release
Rick Ross released the single "Pinned to the Cross," featuring Finn Matthews, in August 2020, following his Verzuz battle with 2 Chainz.
August 2020: Birth of Bliss Roberts
Rick Ross's child, Bliss Roberts, was born in August 2020.
August 26, 2020: 'Richer Than I Ever Been' Announcement
Rick Ross announced his eleventh studio album, 'Richer Than I Ever Been,' during an interview on August 26, 2020.
September 7, 2021: 'The Perfect Day to Boss Up' Release
'The Perfect Day to Boss Up,' Rick Ross's book, debuted at number 5 on The New York Times' weekly bestsellers list on September 7, 2021.
December 10, 2021: 'Richer Than I Ever Been' Release
Rick Ross's eleventh album, 'Richer Than I Ever Been,' was released on December 10, 2021.
2021: Release of 'Richer Than I Ever Been'
Rick Ross released the album 'Richer Than I Ever Been' in 2021 through MMG.
2023: Release of 'Too Good to Be True'
Rick Ross and Meek Mill collaborated on the album 'Too Good to Be True,' released in 2023 through MMG's partnership with Gamma.