William Leonard Roberts II (born January 28, 1976), known professionally as Rick Ross, is an American rapper, songwriter, and record executive whose commanding presence and luxurious lyrical style have made him a towering figure in contemporary hip-hop. Hailing from Clarksdale, Mississippi and later raised in Carol City, Florida, Ross emerged on the music scene in 2006 with his breakout single “Hustlin’,” which propelled him to a major-label deal with Def Jam and the success of his debut album Port of Miami. In 2009, he founded Maybach Music Group, signing artists like Meek Mill and Wale, and solidifying his role as a rap mogul. Beyond music, Ross has diversified his empire through business ventures including Wingstop franchises, luxury bag lines, and real estate holdings, with a reported net worth in the mid–hundreds of millions. Known for his over-the-top persona—dubbed “The Boss” or “Rozay”—Ross’ lyrics frequently celebrate opulence, street authority, and entrepreneurial grit.