Who Is Rick Ross's Father
Rick Ross's father is William Leonard Roberts II Sr., a retired correctional officer from Clarksdale, Mississippi. He moved the family to Carol City, Florida, where Rick Ross grew up. William Roberts Sr. worked in the prison system for decades, and his career in corrections is a well-documented part of the rapper's family background. Forbes profile of Rick Ross notes that his upbringing in a low-income household shaped his later business ambitions.
William Roberts Sr. was not in the music industry, but his strict work ethic influenced Rick Ross's approach to building businesses. The rapper has spoken about growing up with a father who valued discipline and long hours. This influence is visible in Ross's portfolio of companies, including his Wingstop franchise ownership and real estate investments.
Rick Ross Father's Impact on His Career
Rick Ross has credited his father's work ethic as a key factor in his rise from Carol City to becoming one of the highest-paid rappers. William Roberts Sr. retired from the Florida Department of Corrections after many years of service. His career path is a common reference point in interviews where Ross discusses the value of steady income and long-term planning.
The father's influence extends to Ross's business model, which emphasizes ownership and brand building. Ross founded Maybach Music Group and later signed a distribution deal with SEC filings show that he has structured his music and brand assets through multiple corporate entities. This approach mirrors the methodical mindset he associates with his father's career in public service.
Family, Early Life, and Business Legacy
Rick Ross was born William Leonard Roberts II on January 28, 1976, in Clarksdale, Mississippi. His father, William Roberts Sr., raised the family in Carol City, Miami-Dade County. Ross attended historically black college Florida Memorial University, where he studied health administration before pursuing music full time.
Today, Rick Ross is a major figure in hip-hop and entrepreneurship. He owns multiple Wingstop locations, a real estate portfolio, and a line of cannabis products under the brand Forbes reports that his total net worth is in the tens of millions. His father's background in corrections and his emphasis on hard work remain central to the story of how Ross built his empire.