Rapper Rick Ross of Miami, Florida, has extensive musical knowledge. A breakout success, “Hustlin'” was featured on Ross’ 2006 album “Port of Miami,” which debuted at No. 1 on the U.S. Billboard Top 200 albums chart and had fans chanting “every day I’m hustlin’, hustlin’, hustlin’.”
The rapper, who was nominated for a Grammy, proved he was more than a one-hit wonder by establishing the Maybach Music Group in 2009 and appearing on Forbes’ list of Hip-Hop Cash Kings in 2017.
After 15 years in the spotlight, Ross is now a powerful business mogul with global influence and an unquenchable drive.
To his friends, he is just “Rozay” (pronounced rosé). When Rick “The Boss” Ross was young and a dreamer, he came up with the moniker while gazing in awe at the VIPs and celebrities who could buy rosé champagne during parties at Prince’s Glam Slam Club on Washington Avenue in Miami’s South Beach.
He’s benefited greatly from the moniker. Give up on hoping. Ross now has VIP status. He’s also been a longtime representative of Luc Belaire’s hallmark rosé premium sparkling wines and champagnes, having released 10 studio albums himself. His likeness appears on the labels of some limited-edition bottles. Both “The Perfect Day to Boss Up: A Hustler’s Guide to Building Your Empire” (out September 7) and “Hurricanes: A Memoir” (out in 2020) are authored by Ross. Also, he has more than 25 Wingstop restaurants under his control.
Ross, 45, was born William Leonard Roberts II in Clarksdale, Mississippi, but he spent much of his childhood in Carol City, Florida, where he credits his mom with teaching him the business.
My mother had always been a registered nurse and worked two or three jobs, so when I first became a young billionaire, I went to her for advice. She was a consistent property buyer. She relocated here from more affordable Clarksdale. Just keep buying houses, she said. In addition, I’d ask my mom, “Mom, what are your thoughts on the stock market?” Also, “Son, I don’t really rock with the stock market,” she’d say. I’m not very knowledgeable on the topic, but given what I do know about real estate… Make sure you can feel the item you’re buying before you buy it.
In 2008, he went to Georgia and settled two blocks away from world heavyweight boxing champion Evander Holyfield’s famous 54,000-square-foot Fayetteville estate. The 235-acre mansion reportedly cost the fighter $20 million to construct, and he spends over $1 million per year on upkeep (including electricity and lawn care).
Ross was not concerned with maintenance. The home impressed him very much.
I followed the lawn’s every incline and dip with meticulous attention. As I rode by, I stopped to observe a flock of geese. I did that for a long time, until I noticed the red “for sale” sign on the fence, at which point I turned around, as Ross puts it.