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The path to becoming Da Boss is not easy. Rick Ross has gone waded through turbulent waters to amass a net worth estimated at $35 million in 2018. But getting crowned a hip-hop mogul was not easy for this Florida-based rapper.

Rick Ross was hospitalized on March 2 for a possible heart attack. Despite reports, he’s neither dead nor close to it. Da Boss is not going anywhere! Ross’ health has made headlines as much as his troubles and rivalries. He has defied all odds and built a net worth estimated at $35 million. Get the lowdown on how Rick Ross built his hip-hop empire here.

The Maybach Music Empire

  • William Leonard Roberts II was born on January 28, 1976 in Mississippi and raised in Florida.
  • He went to Albany State University on a football scholarship.
  • He worked as a correctional officer for 18 months in 1995.
  • He started his music career Suave House Records under the name Teflon Da Don. He adopted the name, “Rick Ross” later in his career.
  • Ross signed a deal with Slip-n-Slide Records which is currently under the Def Jam umbrella.
  • Ross debuted in 2006 with Port of Miami. The album debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 selling over 187,000 copies in the first week.
  • The album’s first single, “Hustlin’” became Ross’ biggest hit. With over 857,000 copies sold, the album was certified platinum in 2016.
  • He followed it with the 2009 album, Deeper than Rap.
  • Teflon Don (2010) debuted at #2 on Billboard 200.
  • Ross signed a management deal with Sean Combs’ Ciroc Entertainment in 2009.
  • He founded his own record label imprint, Maybach Music Group in 2009. He signed Wale and Meek Mill to MMG.
  • 2012 was a successful year for Ross thanks to his acclaimed mixtape, Rich Forever and top-charting album, God Forgives, I Don’t.
  • After his contract ended with Def Jam, he signed with Epic Records.
  • Part of his riches also come from his entrepreneurial skills and knack for investments.
  • On the side, he has a chicken wings empire with multiple Wing Stop franchises which he continues to expand. He also invested in a Checkers franchise.
  • He has equity in luxury alcohol brand and invests in real estate across the country.
  • His business income make him a regular on Forbes’ Hip-Hop Cash Kings list.
  • He has endorsement deals with Nike, Reebok, and Tequila 1800. He lost the Reebok deal because of a controversial lyrics.
  • He bought Evander Holyfield’s Georgia mansion for $5.8 million in 2014.
  • Never seen without unholy amounts of ice on him, Ross showed off his blinding gold Rolex on Instagram March 4. The post was to update fans on his recent hospitalization.

#FloridaBoy

A post shared by The Boss Rick Ross (@richforever) on

The following table illustrates Rick Ross’ wealth and earnings.

Rick Ross Net Worth $35.0 million
2017 salary $11.5 million
2015 salary $9.0 million
2014 salary $7.0 million
Wing Stop investment earnings $7.0 million
Evander Holyfield mansion price $5.8 million
Florida home listing price $1.375million
Jewelry $45,000
Mortgage payments $9,700

 

Also Read: FACT CHECK: Is Rick Ross Dead? What Happened to Rick Ross?

Hustlin’ Against the Odds

  • Ross has courted controversy every step of the way. His scandals don’t appear to impact his wealth at all. But they do reveal the reality of his financial status.
  • His rival, 50 Cent disclosed Ross’ finances on a show. According to these documents, Ross is not living the blinged out life he portrays.
  • The documents list three cars, $45,000 worth of jewelry that’s lot less than he’s seen in. He reportedly spent $7000 more than he earned every month.
  • He has been arrested for drug and gun possession charges in the past.
  • Ross has been slapped with lawsuits often including by Louis Vuitton and Freeway Ricky Ross.
  • He was arrested on kidnapping and assault charges in 2015.
  • In his songs, he raps about failing to pay child support to his baby mamas.
  • Ross raps about making money illegally. However, it’s far from the truth. He earned all his wealth working hard in the studio and his businesses.

Here’s how Rick Ross’s wealth compares to other artists in his league.

Rick Ross’ net worth $35.0 million
50 Cent $20.0 million
Chance the Rapper $9.0 million
Kendrick Lamar $18.0 million
Gucci Mane $12.0 million

Sourced: CelebrityNetWorth