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Rick Ross

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This is an old revision of this page, as edited by Donmega60645 (talk | contribs) at 01:50, 29 August 2011 ((dumb title but it's rick ross) that was a DUMB thing to put in an article. No one cares what you think). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.

For other people with the same name, see Rick Ross (disambiguation).

Rick Ross
Ross performing in 2011
Ross performing in 2011
Background information
Birth nameWilliam Leonard Roberts II[1]
Born (1976-01-28) January 28, 1976 (age 48)
OriginCarol City, Florida, U.S.
GenresHip hop, Mafioso rap
OccupationRapper
Years active2002–present[2]
LabelsMaybach Music Group, Def Jam Recordings, Def Jam South
Websiteteflondonross.com

William Leonard Roberts II (born January 28, 1976), better known by his stage name Rick Ross, is an American rapper. He derived his stage name from the drug trafficker "Freeway" Ricky Ross, to whom he has no connection (Ross even sued the rapper for $10 million for using his name). Ross founded the record label Maybach Music Group, on which he released his studio albums Deeper Than Rap and Teflon Don.

Early life

William Leonard Roberts II was born in Coahoma County, Mississippi.[1] and raised in Carol City, Florida, near Miami.[2] After graduating from Carol City Senior High School, he later attended the historically black college Albany State University on a football scholarship.[3]

Music career

After being signed to Suave House Records, former label for rap duo 8Ball & MJG, he eventually signed a deal with Slip-n-Slide Records, which has been under the Def Jam umbrella since 2006. While signed to Slip-n-Slide, Ross toured with fellow rapper Trick Daddy and made guest performances on other Slip-n-Slide albums.[2]

Port of Miami (2006)

Main article: Port of Miami (album)

His debut album Port of Miami was released in August 2006 and debuted at the top spot on the Billboard 200 album chart, with sales at 187,000 units after its first week.[4][5] Christian Hoard of Rolling Stone magazine predicted that it would be "the summer's biggest rap record".[6] The second single was "Push It", which samples "Scarface (Push It to the Limit)", the theme song off the gangster film Scarface.[7] The music video for "Push It" was modeled after the film.[8] During that time, Ross made guest performances on two singles from DJ Khaled's debut Listennn... the Album: "Born-N-Raised" and "Holla at Me". Port of Miami received Gold certification from the Recording Industry Association of America on November 8, 2006.

Trilla (2008)

Main article: Trilla

In March 2008, his second album Trilla was released and, as its predecessor Port of Miami had, debuted at the top of the Billboard 200.[9] Its lead single "Speedin'" featuring R. Kelly peaked at #121 on the Billboard Hot 100; the next one, "The Boss" featuring T-Pain peaked at #17 on the Hot 100. The third single "Here I Am" featured Nelly and Avery Storm.[10] MTV News ranked Ross on the fourth spot in its 2008 "Hottest MCs In The Game" list among ten rappers.[11] The fourth single "This Is The Life" featured Trey Songz and was released in July.

Deeper Than Rap (2009)

Main article: Deeper Than Rap

"I look at the game and the business and all different aspects, it's a lot of great lyricists on the corner that will never properly understand the business and know how to market themselves and get in a position where they can gain capital. I look at all the strategies people use and what made them successful. What made Birdman just as relevant today after selling 50 million records? That intrigues me. To see the class of Jay-Z, his accomplishments and see how he sits backs and accurately makes his moves."[12]

A track from the album called "Valley of Death" was what stood out to MTV reporters. In the song, Ross speaks briefly on his controversial stint as a prison guard. "Keep it trilla, nigga, never had a gun and badge," which he stresses, leaving the word that he was indeed an officer of the law. "Kept a nice watch, smoking on a hundred sack/ Back in the day I sold crack for some nice kicks/ Skippin' school, I saw my friend stabbed with an ice pick/ Can't criticize niggas trying to get jobs/ Better get smart, young brother, live yours." Later, he implies that while he was working as a corrections officer, he was on the streets. "Only lived once and I got two kids/ And for me to feed them, I'll get two gigs," he raps. "I'll shovel shit, I'll C.O./ So we can bow our heads and pray over the meatloaf." Although, he still provided no explanation for lying about being a C.O. to begin with, nor did he explain why he failed to pay child support for his children.[13][14]

The cover of the May 2009 issue of XXL magazine, titled "Rick Ross Up in Smoke", featured Ross wearing a pair of Louis Vuitton sunglasses. After publication, a spokesperson for the luxury-goods maker contacted XXL to inform them that Ross was sporting fake sunglasses in the cover image.[15] It was later revealed that the rapper was wearing authentic Louis Vuitton sunglasses which were altered by Jacob Bernstein, known as "The Sunglass Pimp". Bernstein defended his customizations despite Louis Vuitton's insistence that such modification and resale of trademarked property is not legal.[16]

Teflon Don and other works (2010–present)

Main article: Teflon Don (album)

Rick Ross released his fourth studio album entitled Teflon Don, which was released on July 6, 2010. The lead is "Super High" featuring Ne-Yo. Actress Stacey Dash made an appearance in the music video. A second official single was released titled "Live Fast, Die Young" which features and is produced by Kanye West. The album debuted at #2 on the Billboard 200 selling 176,000 copies in its first week.

In November, 2010, rapper and frequent collabourator, Diddy announced from his YouTube account, that him and Ross are working on an EP together, which is going to be released in 2011. A single has been released for the project, called "Another One".[17] The song is produced by Lil' Lody.

Along with his music projects, Rick Ross was nominated by The Source as its "Man of the Year".[18]

Rick Ross is slated to perform at BET Awards 2011 airing on June 26, 2011.[19] He also received a nomination for Best Male Hip Hop Artist.[20]

Personal life

Correctional officer photos

In July 2008, The Smoking Gun produced details linking Ross' social security number to an eighteen month stint as a correctional officer in a Florida prison facility, along with a photograph purporting to be Ross in his correctional officer uniform.[21] Ross initially denied that the photograph was of him;[22] after overwhelming evidence of his past came into the public's eye, Ross later admitted that he did work as a correctional officer in Florida during the early 90's.[23] In a 2008 interview with AllHipHop.com,[24] "Freeway" Ricky Ross, claimed offense that Roberts used his name and identity when he learned that The Smoking Gun posted documents revealing Roberts' previous employment as a Florida correctional officer.[25]

Mug shot of Rick Ross taken in 2008.

During a deposition of Officer Rey Hernandez, a Miami Beach cop who arrested Ross in January 2008 on gun and marijuana charges, Ross's lawyer, Allan Zamren, asked Hernandez why Ross’s case was assigned to the gang task force. The officer stated that it was because Ross claimed affiliation with Carol City Cartel and other known gang members. Zamren then pressed Hernandez for a personal link between Ross and the gang members, but ultimately one could not be established.[26]

In August 2008, YouTube entertainer DJ Vlad filed a lawsuit against Ross for assault. Vlad claimed Ross organized an ambush on him at the 2008 Ozone Awards in Houston, Texas for asking questions about his past as a correctional officer.[27]

On June 18, 2010, Freeway Ricky Ross sued Rick Ross for using his name.[28] Freeway Ricky Ross filed a copyright infringement lawsuit against Ross in a California Federal Court.[28] Jay-Z had been called to testify in the lawsuit, as he was CEO of Def Jam when Ross was signed.[28] The reformed drug kingpin was looking for 10 million dollars in the lawsuit.[28] Also, the release of his album, Teflon Don, was threatened to be blocked by Freeway Ricky Ross. A week after the filing of the lawsuit, Rick Ross responded to the charges: "It’s like owning a restaurant, you’re gonna have a few slip and falls. You get lawsuits, you deal with them, and get them out your way…sometimes you lose."[29] He then denied rumours that he would change his name to "Ricky Rozay" as a consequence of the lawsuit. The lawsuit was thrown out of court on July 3, 2010[30] and his album, Teflon Don, was released on July 20 as scheduled.

Feud with 50 Cent

In January 2009, Ross started a feud with rapper 50 Cent because he supposedly looked at him the wrong way at the BET Awards. 50 Cent told news sources that he did not remember seeing Ross there.[31] In late January, "Mafia Music", by Ross, leaked onto the Internet. There were several lines that seemed to diss 50 Cent. Days later, 50 Cent released "Officer Ricky (Go Head, Try Me)" in response to Ross's disparaging remarks on his "Mafia Music" song.

Before going to Venezuela, 50 Cent uploaded a video entitled "Warning Shot," wherein he stated: "Rick Ross- I'mma **** your life up for fun." In addition, 50 Cent released the first of a series of "Officer Ricky" cartoons. Early in February, 50 Cent once again made a video which he uploaded to YouTube in which he interviewed "Tia", the mother of one of Ross's children. She verifies that he was a correctional officer and claims his whole persona is fake and fraudulent.[32] On Thursday, February 5, 2009, Game, who 50 Cent has a long-standing "beef" with, called up Seattle R&B station KUBE. When asked about the beef between 50 Cent and Ross, Game sided with 50 Cent and said that things are not looking good for Ross. He offered to help, stating, "Rick Ross, holla at your boy, man," and, "50 eating you, boy."[33] On his album Deeper Than Rap, Ross references 50 Cent in the song "In Cold Blood". A video for the song was released that portrayed 50 Cent's mock funeral. Upon release, Ross stated that he has ended 50 Cent's career.[34] That same day Ross released a new diss track called "Push 'Em Over The Edge". The next day 50 Cent released the controversial video "A Psychic Told Me", dissing DJ Khaled. On February 12, 50 Cent responded with "Tia Told Me", along with Lloyd Banks' response "Officer Down" and Tony Yayo's "Somebody Snitched".

In an interview, 50 Cent said Ross is "Albert From CB4. You ever seen the movie? He's Albert," he added. "It never gets worse than this. You get a guy that was a correctional officer come out and base his entire career on writing material from a drug dealer's perspective."[35]

Discography

Main article: Rick Ross discography

Solo albums

Collaboration albums

Compilation albums

See also

References

  1. ^ a b Birth certificate of William Roberts (Rick Ross) as scanned by The Smoking Gun
  2. ^ a b c Cordor, Cyril. "Rick Ross Biography". Allmusic. Retrieved April 1, 2011. During the early to mid-2000s, he became popular and well known locally through touring with Trick Daddy and guest-appearing on a few Slip-N-Slide releases, but didn't release any solo material until 2006.
  3. ^ Handelsman, Jason (January 10, 2008). "Rick Ross Spins a New One". Miami New Times. Retrieved May 24, 2008.
  4. ^ Harris, Chris (August 16, 2006). "Rick Ross Sails Past Breaking Benjamin, Takes Port Of Miami To #1". MTV News. Retrieved May 24, 2008.
  5. ^ "Port of Miami – Charts & Awards". Allmusic. 2006.
  6. ^ Hoard, Christian (June 1, 2006). "Rick Ross, Miami's Latest Hip-Hop Phenom". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on April 2, 2009.
  7. ^ Moss, Corey (July 18, 2006). "Rick Ross Ready to 'Blow' Up When He Docks At Port Of Miami In August". MTV News. Retrieved May 24, 2008.
  8. ^ Reid, Shaheem (July 26, 2006). "A Newcomer 10 Years In The Making: Rick Ross Gets Help From Jay-Z, Akon On First LP". MTV News. Retrieved May 24, 2008.
  9. ^ Reid, Shaheem (March 19, 2008). "Rick Ross On #1 Trilla Beating Out Snoop, Fat Joe: 'I Told Them We Bossin' Up'". MTV News. Retrieved May 24, 2008.
  10. ^ Reid, Shaheem (May 20, 2008). "Rick Ross Talks About Tiger Attack – Seriously! – On The Set Of His 'Here I Am' Video". MTV News. Retrieved May 24, 2008.
  11. ^ "'Hottest MCs In The Game': Rick Ross Bosses Up To #4". MTV News. May 16, 2008. Retrieved July 7, 2008.
  12. ^ Rick Ross Is 'Competing For The Throne' With Deeper Than Rap, mtv.com
  13. ^ Rick Ross Justifies Prison-Guard Past In New Track – Listen Here, mtv.com
  14. ^ Rick Ross' 'Valley Of Death' Was Intended For Jay-Z, mtv.com
  15. ^ Kaufman, Gil (May 12, 2009). "Rick Ross Called Out For Fake Louis Vuitton Sunglasses On XXL Cover". Retrieved November 6, 2009. {{cite news}}: Text "publisher-MTV News" ignored (help)
  16. ^ J.R. (May 15, 2009). "Rick Ross' Louis Vuitton Rumor Slammed By The 'Sunglass Pimp'". HipHopRX. Retrieved November 6, 2009.
  17. ^ Roberts II, William L. (October 12, 2010). "Bugatti Boyz (Diddy & Rick Ross) – Another One". Retrieved October 17, 2010.
  18. ^ Rick Ross Named The Source's Man Of The Year
  19. ^ "Rick Ross Performing at BET Awards 2011".
  20. ^ "Best Male Hip Hop Artist". BET. Retrieved November 21, 2011. {{cite web}}: Text "BET Awards" ignored (help); Text "BET" ignored (help); Text "Shows" ignored (help)
  21. ^ Kuperstein, Slava (July 21, 2008). "Rick Ross Exposed By TheSmokingGun.com". HipHopDX.com.
  22. ^ Reid, Shaheem (July 22, 2008). "Rick Ross Reaffirms Gangster Past In New Freestyle, Despite Report That He Worked As Prison Guard". MTV News. Retrieved August 5, 2008.
  23. ^ Burgess, Omar (October 7, 2008). "Rock Ross Admits Correctional Officer past". Hip Hop DX. Retrieved December 6, 2008.
  24. ^ Freeway Ricky Ross: Name Check – AllHipHop.com
  25. ^ Screw Rick Ross – TheSmokingGun.com
  26. ^ Guns "Rick Ross' Own Lawyer De-Values". February 10, 2009. Retrieved March 24, 2009. {{cite news}}: Check |url= value (help)
  27. ^ Kaufman, Gil (August 15, 2008). "DJ Vlad Files $4 Million Lawsuit Against Rick Ross Over Alleged Ozone Awards Beatdown". MTV News.
  28. ^ a b c d Harling, Danielle. "Freeway Rick Ross files lawsuit". Retrieved 25 June 2010.
  29. ^ Johnson, Bill. "Freeway Ricky Ross' Lawsuit Against Rick Ross Thrown Out". Retrieved 12 September 2010.
  30. ^ "How feud Started Rick Ross and 50 Cent". Vide.com. February 7, 2009. Retrieved March 16, 2009.
  31. ^ HipHopDX.com – 50 Cent – Interviews Rick Ross' Baby Mama. HipHopDX.com. Accessed February 2, 2008.
  32. ^ Game Takes Sides In 50 Cent
  33. ^ Rick Ross Buries 50 Cent In 'Cold Blood'
  34. ^ 50 Cent Says Rick Ross Is ‘Gusto From CB4′, Laughs Off Ross’ Sales Predictions BallerStatus.com
  35. ^ "New Music: Rick Ross f/ Drake – 'Made Men'". Rap-Up.com. Retrieved March 2, 2011.
  36. ^ Combs, Sean (October 11, 2010). "Bugatti boyz announcement". Retrieved October 17, 2010.
  37. ^ Combs, Sean (October 12, 2010). "Another one. coming soon". Retrieved October 17, 2010.
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