RICK ROSS BIO

These days, this self-proclaimed “Boss” – who stands more than six feet tall and weighs in at over 300 pounds – is living large and enjoying immense success, but don’t mistake his laid-back Southern demeanor for any lack of effort.

Growing up in Carol City, a lower-class, predominantly African-American suburb of Miami, Florida, the city Rick Ross knew was nothing like the glamorous South Beach we see on television -- it was “a real hardcore place,” he has acknowledged. Even as a teenager, however, Rick Ross had the kind of drive that set him apart from the pack. He had big dreams, and he planned to accomplish them by any means necessary -- a fact that led him to dabble in drug dealing and rapping as well as playing football.

In fact, he received a scholarship to play football at Albany State in Georgia, and it appeared that this might even open the door to an NFL contract, but after two weeks, Rick Ross realized that a career in sports ultimately wasn’t for him, so he left the program.

Soon after his return from college, Rick Ross hooked up with childhood friends Elric "E-Class" Prince and Alex "Gucci Pucci" Bethune and signed to their management company, Poe Boy Entertainment, and he’s been hustling ever since. He appeared on the albums and mixtapes of other hometown artists like Trina and Trick Daddy, making a name for himself in the local music scene long before coming out with his solo work. He eventually signed a joint deal with Trick Daddy's Slip N' Slide label, which has been under the Def Jam umbrella since 2007.

Rick Ross’ debut album, Port of Miami, was released in August 2006, and sold 187,000 copies in its first week, launching it straight to the top of the charts. A remix of the lead single, “Hustlin’,” by Jay-Z and Young Jeezy drew even more attention to this Miami phenomenon, who dominated hip-hop playlists through much of 2007.

March 2008 marks the release of Rick Ross’ latest album, Trilla, as well as his documentary, M.I. YAYO,
which looks at the top 10 drug dealers in Miami’s history.

Port of Miami, Ross' debut album, was released on August 8, 2006, with the lead single "Hustlin'"
peaking at #7 on the hip-hop chart and #54 on the Billboard Hot 100. A remix of the single featuring Jay-Z,
Young Jeezy, & also achieved some popularity in digital downloads.
The second single is "Push It". Port of Miami is certified Gold by the RIAA.

Rick Ross released Trilla on March 11, 2008. The first single is "Speedin'" featuring R. Kelly. The second single is "The Boss", featuring T-Pain.