Rick Ross

Rick Ross' real name is William Leonard Roberts II. He took his stage name from the drug trafficker "Freeway" Ricky Ross, who was known for his drug empire in Los Angeles in the early '80s. Although originally sentenced to life in prison in 1996, the real Ricky Ross was released in 2009 for being a model prisoner.

Rick Ross played football in high school and college. He graduated from Carol City Senior High School near Miami, Florida and later went to Albany State College on a football scholarship.

In January 2008, Rick Ross was arrested on gun possession and marijuana charges. Police believed Ross was also part of the Carol City Cartel, a drug ring base in and around Miami. Ultimately, the police couldn't establish a personal connection between Ross and the gang so related charges could not be pursued.