Rick Ross American rapper Date of Birth: 28.01.1976 Country: USA

1. Early Life and Career Beginnings
2. Debut Album: Port of Miami
3. Commercial Success and Acclaim
4. Controversy and Deeper Than Rap
5. Teflon Don and God Forgives, I Don't
6. God Forgives, I Don't and Continued Success

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Born William Leonard Roberts II in Coahoma County, Mississippi, and raised in Carol City, Florida, Rick Ross pursued a football scholarship at historically Black Alabama State University. Adopting the stage name inspired by a known drug kingpin, Roberts emerged in the music industry after working with Suave House Records and later signing with Slip-n-Slide Records.

Debut Album: Port of Miami

Rick Ross's debut album, "Port of Miami," released in August 2006, soared to the top of the Billboard 200 chart, selling 187,000 copies in its first week. Acclaimed by Rolling Stone's Christian Hoard as the rap record of the year, the album featured the hit single "Push It," a reimagining of the Scarface theme song.

Commercial Success and Acclaim

Ross continued his commercial dominance with his sophomore album, "Trilla," in March 2008. The album also debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and spawned successful singles, including "Speedin'" with R. Kelly and "The Boss" featuring T-Pain. MTV News recognized Ross as the fourth hottest MC in the game in 2008.

Controversy and Deeper Than Rap

In 2009, Ross released his third album, "Deeper than Rap." It featured the introspective track "Valley of Death," which referenced his past as a corrections officer. Controversy arose when Ross was featured on the cover of XXL magazine wearing seemingly counterfeit Louis Vuitton sunglasses. The brand later accused Ross's collaborator of trademark infringement.

Teflon Don and God Forgives, I Don't

Ross released his fourth album, "Teflon Don," in July 2010, which debuted at number two on the Billboard 200. His highly anticipated fifth album, "God Forgives, I Don't," was initially set for release in December 2011 but was postponed to 2012. After releasing the singles "You the Boss" and "I Love My Bitches," Ross performed at the 2011 BET Awards and was nominated for Best Male Hip Hop Artist.

God Forgives, I Don't and Continued Success

On July 31, 2012, "God Forgives, I Don't" finally reached the public. The album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, selling 218,000 copies in its first week. Rick Ross has maintained his status as a prominent figure in the hip-hop industry, continuing to release critically acclaimed and commercially successful music to this day.