Rick Ross is an American rapper, songwriter, and entrepreneur who has built an impressive net worth of $150 million.
Rick has become an iconic figure in the hip-hop industry over the past 15 years. His real name is William Leonard Roberts II, though Rick Ross is his famously known stage name.
As a rapper, Ross is famous for his deep, gritty vocals and southern rap style that helped pioneer pop-tinged rap anthems in the late 2000s.
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Rick Ross Net Worth
Rick Ross has accumulated an impressive net worth of $150 million and become one of hip-hop’s wealthiest stars. His success came largely from his musical success and business ventures.
The wide gap in reported figures is due to the challenge of valuing some of Ross’ private business holdings and assets. However, there are some details people know about where Ross’ fortune comes from.
The majority of Ross’ wealth stems from music industry income, with Ross selling over 11 million albums globally while also earning money from touring and other music ventures.
Outside of music, Ross has famously amassed a small fortune from owning dozens of Wingstop restaurant franchises across the U.S. He also boasts lucrative partnerships with liquor brands Luc Belaire and Boss Wines, adding to his portfolio.
Early Life and Education
William Leonard Roberts II, better known by his stage name Rick Ross, was born in Clarksdale, Mississippi, in 1976. He grew up in Carol City, Florida, and had a turbulent childhood. He got involved in drug dealing and gang activity at a young age.
Ross attended Miami Carol City Senior High School in his teens. As his rap career later took off, Ross shared few details about his educational history beyond high school. In recent years, he graduated from Albany State University in Georgia with a degree in criminal justice.
Ross actually worked as a correctional officer for 18 months right after college, patrolling one of the same carceral facilities he was once held in as a youth. However, feeling unfulfilled in corrections and wanting to change his life’s direction, Ross soon quit to chase his dreams in the music industry for good.
Rise to Rap Stardom
Rick Ross released a steady stream of hit albums that made him one of rap’s most prominent stars. Albums like Trilla (2008), Deeper Than Rap (2009), Teflon Don (2010), and God Forgives, I Don’t (2012) all hit number one or two on the Billboard 200.
Major singles like “The Boss” with T-Pain, “Aston Martin Music” with Drake and Chrisette Michele, and “Purple Lamborghini” with Skrillex kept Ross dominating radio airplay as well.
Along with his solo work, Ross is also a member of the hip-hop supergroup MMG (Maybach Music Group), with artists like Meek Mill and Wale signed to his record label. Ross’ distinctive, gravelly voice and signature southern sound have made him one of the most recognizable and well-known rappers of his era.
Music Career Beginnings
Rick Ross had relatively humble beginnings in the music industry. Ross started out providing guest verses on other artists’ songs in the early 2000s to gain recognition.
His big break came when Miami rapper Trick Daddy featured Ross on the track “Sugar (Gimme Some)” in 2006. Later that year, Ross finally dropped his debut single, “Hustlin’,” which rapidly rose to the music charts. Backed by its high-powered production and Ross’ signature gritty flow, “Hustlin'” peaked at #54 on the Billboard Hot 100, announcing his arrival.
On the heels of that smash hit single, Rick Ross soon released his debut album, Port of Miami, in August 2006. Bolstered by budding street buzz for Ross, Port of Miami debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 album chart. Fueled by singles like “Push It” and “The Boss” featuring T-Pain, Port of Miami certified gold and signaled that Ross had carved out a lucrative lane for himself in the rap game.
Source of Income
Rick Ross has multiple lucrative sources fueling his income. While Ross earned his fortune across industries, the majority of his wealth stems from his thriving music career.
Within the music industry, Ross earns money from record sales, streaming royalties, touring, merchandise, business ventures related to his artists, production credits on other songs, and more. Ross generates multi-million dollar paydays yearly from his entertainment income, thanks mainly to an impressive musical catalog over his decade-plus rap career.
Additionally, Ross’ Wingstop franchises are considered his top source outside of music, grossing millions in profits annually. Ross’ entrepreneurial income comes from business stakes across real estate, wine and champagne companies like Luc Belaire and Boss Wines, and apparel brands, too.
Business Ventures and Investments
Rick Ross exploded onto the rap scene in 2006 with his hit debut single “Hustlin'” after years of paying dues. Born William Leonard Roberts II in Mississippi, Ross grew up in Miami and overcame a turbulent youth where he became involved in gangs and dealing drugs.
After playing high school football and discovering music, Ross graduated college before surprisingly working as a correctional officer for a year.
However, Ross’s career took off quickly. On the back of “Hustlin'” and his gritty, soulful delivery, his debut album Port of Miami hit #1 on the Billboard charts, going gold.
Personal Life and Relationships
Rick Ross has four children with multiple former partners. He has never been married, though he was engaged to model Lira Galore in 2015 before calling it off the next year.
In October 2022, Ross made headlines for buying his 87-acre Promise Land estate in Georgia for cash, reportedly spending $3 million on the lavish property. Ross has flexed his wealth through splashy home purchases for years, also previously owning two mansions in Atlanta worth $4 million.
Philanthropy
Rick Ross also actively gives back to his local community through philanthropy work.
Ross founded Rick Ross Charities, a non-profit organization dedicated to assisting children and families in need within inner cities. Some significant initiatives include hosting holiday donation drives, back-to-school giveaways for kids, and fundraising efforts that have raised hundreds of thousands for charities supporting healthcare, youth programs, and more.
In 2022, Ross donated $100,000 from his Boss Wines company to the VH1 Save The Music Foundation, benefitting music education in public schools.
Controversies and Challenges
Rick Ross’ career has not been without its share of controversies and challenges.
One major controversy came in 2013 when Ross rapped lyrics on Rocko’s song “U.O.E.N.O.” perceived as promoting date rape, sparking outrage. Reebok eventually dropped Ross as a brand ambassador due to the backlash.
In 2018, Ross was hospitalized after suffering seizures. The health issues forced Ross to get serious about lifestyle changes as he recovered and got back to music.
FAQs on Rick Ross Net Worth
What was Rick Ross’ first hit song?
Rick Ross first broke through with his debut smash single “Hustlin'” in 2006. The song peaked at #54 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was RIAA-certified platinum, announcing Ross as rap’s hot newcomer.
How many total albums has Rick Ross sold?
According to reports, Rick Ross has sold over 15 million albums worldwide, totaling both his solo work and collaborative albums. His 2006 debut, Port of Miami, alone moved over 1 million album units.
What was Rick Ross’ biggest hit song?
While boasting a deep catalog of hits, many consider Ross’ 2010 single “Aston Martin Music” featuring Drake and Chrisette Michele as his signature track.
What businesses does Rick Ross own?
Ross owns dozens of Wingstop restaurant franchises and is also co-owner of the Luc Belaire champagne and Boss Wines alcohol brands. He previously held a stake in Carolina Ale House franchises as well and currently has equity in various startups and real estate assets.
Final Words
Rick Ross stands out as one of contemporary music’s biggest success stories, both artistically and commercially. Since bursting onto the rap scene in 2006 with signature gritty vocals and opulent lyrics, Ross has dropped over 10 studio albums and become one of hip hop’s most prominent voices.
With over 15 million records sold and a host of chart-topping hits under his belt, Ross’ artistic legacy is already confirmed. Rick launched his Maybach Music Group label and other business ventures that amplified his net worth to an estimated $150 million.
