Rick Ross, born William Leonard Roberts II on January 28, 1976, in Clarksdale, Mississippi, and raised in Carol City, Florida, has become a towering figure in the world of hip-hop. His journey from the streets to the top of the music industry is nothing short of remarkable.
Growing up in Carol City, Ross was exposed to the harsh realities of life in a low-income neighborhood. Despite the challenges, he found solace and inspiration in hip-hop music, particularly the works of artists like Tupac Shakur and The Notorious B.I.G. Ross began to hone his own lyrical skills, crafting rhymes that reflected his experiences and ambitions.
After attending Albany State University on a football scholarship, Ross eventually dropped out to pursue his true passion: music. He adopted the stage name “Rick Ross,” paying homage to the drug kingpin “Freeway” Rick Ross, whose name was synonymous with wealth and power in the streets.
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