Rick Ross Net Worth: How the Entrepreneurial Rapper Made $150 Million

Rick Ross, the famous American rapper and business mogul, has amassed a staggering fortune over the years. He sources most of his wealth from his rapping career, but that’s not all. Ross is also the owner of several business ventures and he has made some highly profitable investments in real estate and other various businesses. As of 2024, Rick Ross’ net worth is estimated at $150 million.

To date, Rick Ross has sold millions of albums, not to mention tens of millions of singles around the world. As an influential figure in modern hip-hop, he is widely recognized for his husky voice and vivid lyrical imagery.

Ross’ story is a rags-to-riches story, making it inspirational and unique at the same time. In this post, we’ll delve into the details of his rapping career, his other business ventures, as well as the investments that stand behind his incredible net worth.

Rick Ross’ Net Worth Breakdown:

Rick Ross’ net worth is growing by millions every year, partly due to his rapping career and partly sourced from his numerous business investments. With such a steep net worth, Rick Ross is one of the highest-paid rappers in the world, standing in the ranks of Jay Z, Pharrell Williams, Drake, and Akon.

While it is impossible to pin down the exact earnings from his versatile music career, we managed to find detailed information on what he owns and invests in, allowing us to create the comprehensive net worth breakdown of Ross’ fortune today:

Rick Ross Net Worth: Early Life of William Leonard Roberts II

Rick Ross was born William Leonard Roberts II in Clarksdale, Mississippi. He was born on January 28, 1976, and raised in Carol City, Florida, where he graduated from Miami Carol City Senior High School.

Using a football scholarship, William Leonard Roberts II attended the historically black college Albany State University. However, he dropped out of school to join law enforcement, working as a correctional officer between 1995 and 1997.

In 2013, when he was celebrating his 37th birthday with his girlfriend, Rick Ross was a target of a drive-by shooting in Fort Lauderdale, and while neither Ross nor his girlfriend were seriously hurt, they crashed their car in an attempt to escape.

Two years later, Rick Ross was engaged to Lira Galore Mercer, though they never married. He remains unmarried to this very day, but he has 6 children, with speculations saying that he might have more. His children are:

• Toie Roberts (from a relationship with Lastonia Leviston). Toie Roberts is a social media personality and entrepreneur.
• William Roberts III (from a relationship with Tia Kemp). William Roberts III is a football player.
• Berkeley Hermes Roberts, Billion Leonard Roberts, and Bliss Roberts, from his relationship with Briana Camille. Berkeley Hermes Roberts was born in 2017, while Bliss and Billion Leonard Roberts are twins born in 2018.
• Au’mei Moon Roberts (from his relationship with Cierra Nichole)

Rick Ross Net Worth: How a Correctional Officer Became a World-Famous Rapper

After he left school, Rick Ross worked as a correctional officer for a total of 18 months until his resignation in June 1997. He then made his debut under the pseudonym Teflon Da Don. It wasn’t long before he decided to change his stage name to Rick Ross and he has stuck with it ever since.

Let’s see how he found his way into the music industry and became one of the most successful artists in the rap scene.

Early Beginnings in Rap

Rick Ross made his debut with the song “Ain’t Shhh to Discuss” with Suave House Records, which was included in Erick Sermon’s lone album for DreamWorks, titled Def Squad Presents Erick Onasis.

In the mid-2000s, when the young rapper was just starting out, he changed his name to Rick Ross, the name we know him for today. He chose this name inspired by the infamous former drug kingpin “Freeway” Rick Ross who had direct connections with the CIA’s operation to support the Nicaraguan contras through the crack cocaine trade.

He apparently never knew the drug trafficker and, in 2013, “Freeway” Rocky Ross took the rapper to court, saying he stole his name and likeness. Unfortunately for “Freeway”, who got out of prison in 2009, he didn’t convince the judge of his claims, especially since the rapper Rick Ross was already active for almost a decade (and the name is quite common anyway).

In 2006, he released his debut single “Hustlin”, which prompted several record labels to start a bidding war for the prosperous rapper. He consequently got offers from Irv Gotti’s Murder Inc. and P Diddy’s Bad Boy Entertainment but decided to sign a deal with Jay Z’s Def Jam Records instead.

More precisely, the artist signed a new deal with Slip-n-Slide Records, a label that has worked under the Def Jam Records label since 2006. At around this time, he started touring with Trick Daddy, a fellow rapper and made several other performances on Slip-n-Slide albums.

Rick Ross’ Rapping Career Explodes

The same year he signed a multimillion-dollar deal with Jay Z’s label, Rick Ross released his debut album titled Port of Miami. His album was an instant hit, debuting at the top spot on the US Billboard 200 album chart. In the first week, Port of Miami sold 187,000 units and, on November 8 of the same year, it received Gold certification from the Recording Industry Association of America.

Ross’ second single was “Push It,” sampling the theme song from the Scarface gangster film, with the music video being modeled after the film as well.

At around this time, Rick Ross made several guest performances, out of which two were on singles from DJ Khaled’s debut album “Listennn… the Album.” His singles were “Holla at Me” and “Born-N-Raised,” enjoying high popularity on the rap scene almost instantly.

In March 2008, the now-famous rapper Rick Ross released his second album titled Trilla, which also debuted at the top of the Billboard 200 list. This album marked the peak of the rapper’s success at the time. “Speedin” (featuring R. Kelly), the lead single, was number 21 on the US Billboard Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles, with the next single “The Boss” (featuring T-Pain) reaching number 17 on the same list.

Following the release of Trilla, MTV News ranked Rick Ross on their fourth spot in the “Hottest MCs in the Game” list. In the interview with MTV News, the newly popular rapper said:

“Aw man, I think I’m gonna be one of the best, you know what I’m sayin’? Cause I don’t think I’m afraid to try new things. I don’t think I’m in a box, where somebody could tell me what I sound like, you know?”

Other Successful Projects and Studio Albums

In 2009, Rick Ross founded Maybach Music Group, his own record label, which he used to release his future studio albums, making much bigger profits than before.

That same year, he released the studio album Deeper Than Rap, followed by these studio albums:

• Teflon Don in 2010
• God Forgives, I Don’t in 2012
• Mastermind in 2014
• Hood Billionaire in 2014
• Black Market in 2015
• Rather You Than Me in 2017
• Port of Miami 2 in 2018
• Richer Than I Have Ever Been in 2021

Teflon Don reached great fame with the lead single “Super High,” featuring Ne-Yo and the second single “Live Fast, Die Young,” featuring Kanye West. This album debuted at number 2 on the Billboard 200 and sold 176,000 copies in its first week.

In 2010, following the success with Teflon Don, Rick Ross became the first artist signed to Diddy’s Ciroc Entertainment management company, which was announced from Diddy’s YouTube account, followed by a newly released single called “Another One”. That same year, Rick Ross released a mixtape titled Ashes to Ashes.

In 2011, Rick Ross signed the first major artists to his label, Wale and Meek Mill, releasing a debut compilation album with the two titled Self Made Vol. 1.

By 2012, Ross was named the Hottest MC in the Game by MTV, and appeared on VH1’s popular show Snoop and Martha’s Potluck Dinner Party, with Snoop Dogg and Martha Stewart.

That same year, his fifth studio album, God Forgives, I Don’t, charted at number two on the UK R&B Albums Chart and number eight on the UK Albums Chart, which made it his highest charting album in the United Kingdom. In a single week, the album sold 218,000 copies!

Fast forward to January 2013, and Rick Ross announced the release of his sixth album, Mastermind, which was released in 2014. This same year, he partnered with Birdman to release The H, a collaboration title discussed years before, as a mixtape hosted by DJ Khaled.

When Mastermind was finally available to the public in March 2014, the album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart and sold 179,000 copies in its first week.

In 2015, Rick Ross was subject to a lot of controversy when he was arrested for assault and kidnapping, and sentenced to house arrest. He released a mixtape that same year, titled Black Dollar, followed by the announcement of his eighth studio album Black Market, which was ready in December 2015.

In January 2015, Rick Ross signed a solo deal with Epic Records and following the deal, he remixed “Famous” by Kanye West, among other titles including:

• “Make It Work”
• “Purple Lamborghini”
• “Supa Cindy”
• “Freaky Hoe”

The ninth of Rick Ross’ studio albums, Rather You Than Me, debuted and reached number three on the Billboard 200. In 2018, he released the first and second single from his tenth album Port of Miami 2, which debuted at number two on the Billboard 200 after its release in August 2019.

The last of Rick Ross’ albums to date is Richer Than I Ever Been, released on December 10, 2021.

Music Career Earnings

While we don’t know the exact details of the multimillion-dollar contract with Jay-Z, which is reportedly his biggest deal to date, Rick Ross made $1 million just for signing with Def Jam in the mid-2000s.

Rick Ross parted ways with Jay-Z’s record Def Jam Records in 2015 after releasing Black Market and signed with Epic Records for six years before he fulfilled his contract obligations with his last album. The details of this deal haven’t been disclosed to the public either.

Based on the album sales, the popularity of his songs, as well as his very active career in the rap industry, we can only assume that he has accumulated the majority of his $150 million from rapping, performances, and album sales. However, Rick Ross’ net worth doesn’t all come from his rapping career.

According to legal documents filed during a paternity case, Rick Ross earned $585,000 a month in 2021/2022.

Endorsement Deals

As a person with a lot of clout and fame, Rick Ross has landed some highly profitable endorsement deals and sponsorships with companies like Rose Champagne, Luc Belaire, and Reebok.

Belaire Rose Champagne sells a “Rick Ross’ drink, which is often promoted in Ross’ music videos and his social media networks. In addition to this company, he has also promoted the Tequila brand 1800’s Select Silver product.

Legal Trouble

Rick Ross is a prominent figure in the music industry, but his career hasn’t been one without controversies. He has been arrested several times and faced several lawsuits.

In 2008, Ross was arrested on gun and marijuana charges. When asked about why Ross’s case was assigned to a gang task force, Officer Rey Hernandez, the cop who arrested him, answered that Ross claimed affiliation with the Triple C’s, also known as the Carol City Cartel, and other gang members.

That same year, he was sued by DJ Vlad, a popular YouTuber and interviewer in the rap scene. Vlad filed a lawsuit against Rick Ross for assault and battery. He claimed that Ross organized an ambush on him at the Ozone Awards that took place in Houston, as a result of him asking questions about his history as a correctional officer.

As previously mentioned, Ross was also sued by Freeway Ricky Ross for copyright infringement in a California federal court, but the court ruled in favor of the rapper and allowed him to keep the name.

In 2021, the police arrested Ross in Shreveport, Louisiana for possession of marijuana.

Movie Appearances

As a prominent figure in the music industry, Rick Ross has been invited to appear on several TV shows and several films including:

• Days of Wrath (2008) as G Dogg
• Jimmy Kimmel Live (2008) as himself
• Late Show with David Letterman (2009) as himself
• Late Night with Jimmy Fallon (2009 and 2010) as himself
• Freaknik: The Musical (2010) as Big Uzi
• Signed (2017) in its first season, as himself
• Superfly (2018) as Racks
• Coming 2 America (2021) as himself

Awards and Accolades

Rick Ross is a major name in the music industry. Thanks to his rich music career, he has won several awards and nominations over the years, including:

• 2010: Won Man of the Year Award by The Source
• 2011: Nominated for Best Male Hip Hop Artist at the BET Awards, lost to Kanye West
• 2012: Nominated for Best Rap Collaboration for “I’m on One” at the Grammy Awards
• 2013: Nominated for Best Rap Album for “God Forgives, I Don’t” at the Grammy Awards
• 2015: Nominated for Best R&B Performance and Best R&B Song for “New Flame” at the Grammy Awards
• 2017: Nominated for Best Song Written for Visual Media for “Purple Lamborghini” at the Grammy Awards
• 2021: His book “The Perfect Day to Boss Up” debuted at number 5 on the New York Times’s weekly bestseller list
• 2023: Nominated for Song of the Year, Best Rap Performance, and Best Rap Song for “God Did” at the Grammy Awards

Rick Ross Net Worth: Other Investments and Business Ventures

Rick Ross earned his first millions from rapping, but he kept adding to his net worth thanks to his smart investments in profitable businesses, which we will discuss below.

Record Label Maybach Music Group

Outside of his solo career and combined performances, Rick Ross founded the record label Maybach Music Group in 2008. Through this label, he signed a ton of massively successful artists like Omarion, French Montana, Wale, and Meek Mill, among others.

While it is hard to determine his earnings from the record label, we can assume that it contributes many millions of dollars to his already high net worth, considering the immense popularity of its signed rappers and artists. Through this label, he entered into joint ventures with Def Jam Records and Epic Records, releasing his studio albums.

Other Business Ventures and Investments

While the record label Maybach Music Group is his most profitable and successful business, it’s not the only company the rapper has founded and managed over the years. Rick Ross has been successfully diversifying his wealth beyond the music industry, and here are some other popular investments he has made:

• Rich by Rick Ross, a line of grooming products and hair care products for men and women, launched in 2018

• Several franchises of Wingstop, a chain that specializes in chicken wings. He owns around 30 Wingstop restaurant locations. This investment reportedly brings him around $7 million a year.
• Undisclosed investment in Checkers and Rally’s, a fast food chain known for its burgers.

• Hemp Hop Smokables, a CBD products line he launched in partnership with Hempacco in 2022
• $1 million investment in Jetdoc, a virtual healthcare startup

Real Estate Investments

Over the years, the famous rapper has invested a fortune in real estate properties.

In 2012, he bought a waterfront mansion in Fort Lauderdale, Florida worth $5.2 million. He sold this property in 2016 for a profit, getting at least $6 million from the sale.

In 2014, Rick Ross spent $5.8 million on a 109-room mansion outside Atlanta, which he acquired from Evander Holyfield, the famous boxer. He spent another million dollars in 2020 to expand his suburban mansion, bringing its total acreage to 322. He calls this home “The Promise Land,” and it is the largest home in Georgia. Coming 2 America was filmed on this property.

In 2023, Rick Ross spent another $4.2 million to buy the Atlanta mansion owned by Meek Mill. That same year, he bought a mansion on Star Island, Miami, worth $37 million.

Other Assets

In June 2023, Rick Ross revealed that he bought a private jet, a 2012 Gulfstream G550, worth around $20 million.

During the child support case we previously mentioned, he also listed three cars in his financial breakdown, including:

• 2007 Cadillac Escalade worth $30,000
• 2004 Maybach worth $55,000
• 2006 Infinity Q56 worth $30,000

What Can We Learn from Rick Ross’ Story?

Starting from humble beginnings as a child who studied on a scholarship to a correctional officer in law enforcement, Rick Ross has built a financial empire for himself and his family, not to mention a highly successful music career. The artist has released over 10 chart-topping albums and sold out numerous tours, all of which contributed millions to his net worth.

Ross’ adoption of his stage name played a key role in shaping his brand and identity. His larger-than-life persona and unique style set him apart in a crowded music industry, demonstrating the importance of crafting a compelling image.

While Rick Ross initially earned his millions through his music career, he significantly boosted his fortune by diversifying his income streams, teaching us that you shouldn’t put all of your eggs in one basket, as the saying goes.

Founding Maybach Music Group allowed Ross to invest in his music while supporting and promoting others, a move that expanded his influence in the industry and increased his earnings at the same time. This is a perfect example that shows investing in oneself can be extremely lucrative given enough hard work, dedication, and maybe a bit of luck.

Despite facing many legal issues and personal challenges, Rick Ross remained focused on his career and goals. His resilience in the face of adversity is an inspiration, showing that persistence and determination are key to achieving long-term success.