Triple C's, also known as Carol City Cartel, is a Southern hip hop group founded by Rick Ross. It includes members Gunplay from Miami, Torch (born Kevin Belnavis) from the Bronx, New York, and Young Breed.

Early career[link]

They have been featured on Rick Ross' first two albums Port of Miami and Trilla. Additionally, Gunplay appeared on Ross's third studio album Deeper Than Rap.^[1] Their first studio album, Custom Cars & Cycles, was released October 27, 2009.^[2] On the first week, the album sold 12,100 copies.^[3] Gunplay made an appearance on the song "Don't Let Me Go", with former labelmate rapper Pill from Maybach Music Group's 2011 collaboration album Self Made Vol. 1. It is produced by Lee Majors. The Triple C's will release a new album called Color, Cut & Clarity.

Discography[link]

• Custom Cars & Cycles (2009)
• Color, Cut & Clarity (with French Montana) 2012

Guest appearances[link]

References[link]

External links[link]

• myspace.com/carolcitycartel

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Ormonde, an undefeated Triple Crown winner.

The Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing (although sometimes shortened to Triple Crown, the full name is used to avoid possible confusion with other sports) consists of three races for three-year-old Thoroughbred horses. Winning all three of these Thoroughbred horse races is considered the greatest accomplishment of a Thoroughbred racehorse. The term originated in mid-19th century England. However, different nations where thoroughbred racing is popular each have their own Triple Crown series. In recent years, winning a Triple Crown has become a very rare achievement, with most horses specializing on a limited range of distances.

United States Triple Crowns[link]

In the United States, the three races that compose the Triple Crown are:

1. Kentucky Derby, run over 1-1/4 miles (2.01 km) dirt track at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky;
2. Preakness Stakes, run over 1-3/16 miles (1.91 km) dirt track at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland;
3. Belmont Stakes, run over 1-1/2 miles (2.41 km), the longest dirt track in thoroughbred racing, at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York.

It has been 34 years since a horse won the U.S Triple Crown (Affirmed in 1978)

There is also a national Triple Tiara (formerly known as the Filly Triple Crown):

1. Kentucky Oaks, run over 1⅛ miles on a dirt track, at Churchill Downs;
2. Black-Eyed Susan Stakes, run over 1⅛ (previously 1-1/16) miles on a dirt track, at Pimlico Race Course;
3. Acorn Stakes, run over 1 mile on a dirt track, at Belmont Park (previously 1-1/2 miles);

Thus far, only one filly has won the national Filly Triple Crown:

• Davona Dale (1979)

From 1957–2002 and 2007–2009 the New York Triple Tiara consisted of the Acorn Stakes, the Mother Goose Stakes and the Coaching Club American Oaks (all three stakes races are run at Belmont Park in New York).
Thus far, only eight fillies have won the original New York Triple Tiara:

• Dark Mirage (1968)
• Shuvee (1969)
• Chris Evert (1974)
• Ruffian (1975)
• Davona Dale (1979)
• Mom's Command (1985)
• Open Mind (1989)
• Sky Beauty (1993)

In 2010 the NYRA changed the configuration of the new Betfair TVG Triple Tiara it now consists of the Acorn Stakes run at Belmont Park, the Coaching Club American Oaks and the Alabama Stakes both run at Saratoga Race Course.
Thus far, in 2010 and 2011 no filly has won the reconfigured Betfair TVG Triple Tiara.

United Kingdom[link]

In England, where the term Triple Crown originated with West Australian's three wins in 1853, it is made up of:

1. the 2,000 Guineas Stakes, run over 1 mile (1,609 meters) at Newmarket Racecourse in Newmarket, Suffolk;
2. the Epsom Derby, run over 1 mile 4 furlongs and 10 yards (2,423 metres) at Epsom Downs Racecourse in Epsom, Surrey;
3. the St. Leger Stakes, run over 1 mile, 6 furlongs and 132 yards (2,937 metres) at Town Moor in Doncaster, Yorkshire.

There is also a Fillies Triple Crown for a filly winning the 1,000 Guineas Stakes, Epsom Oaks and St. Leger Stakes.^[1] In the past, this was not considered a true Triple Crown as the best fillies would run in the Derby and Two Thousand Guineas. As this is no longer the case, the Fillies' Triple Crown would now be considered as comparable as the original. Winners of the Fillies Triple Crown are:

• 1868 – Formosa, also dead heated in the Two Thousand Guineas
• 1871 – Hannah
• 1874 – Apology, also won the Ascot Gold Cup
• 1892 – La Fleche, also won the Ascot Gold Cup
• 1902 – Sceptre, also won the Two Thousand Guineas
• 1904 – Pretty Polly
• 1942 – Sun Chariot
• 1955 – Meld^[1]
• 1985 – Oh So Sharp

In the 150 years that these races have been run, only fifteen horses (12 by some reckoning) have ever won the English Triple Crown, including the great Nijinsky in 1970. Nijinsky is still the only winner of the English Triple Crown since World War II. For many years, it was considered unlikely that any horse would ever win the English Triple Crown again. In the winter of 2006/2007, however, trainer Jim Bolger was training his unbeaten colt Teofilo for the Triple Crown^[2] and bookmaker William Hill plc was offering odds of only 12/1 against Teofilo winning the 2007 Triple Crown. However, the horse was withdrawn from the 2000 Guineas two days before the race after suffering a setback.

Since Nijinsky, only Nashwan in 1989 and Sea the Stars in 2009 have won both the Guineas and the Derby, and in addition, no Derby winner (including both Nashwan and Sea the Stars) has even entered the St. Leger since Reference Point in 1987, although this is primarily due to the impact it would have on a horse's stud value, which would not be the case for a horse who had already won the Guineas.

For a list of the annual individual race winners, see English Triple Crown race winners.

Bahram, an undefeated Triple Crown winner.

Triple Crown Champions:

• Wartime winners Pommern, Gay Crusader and Gainsborough are not counted, according to many judges, as the three classics were all held at Newmarket and racing itself was too disrupted. By this reckoning, there were only 12 triple crown winners, and only four in the 20th century.

Ireland[link]

This unreferenced section requires citations to ensure verifiability.

In Ireland, the Triple Crown, modelled on the English equivalent, is made up of

1. the Irish 2,000 Guineas
2. the Irish Derby
3. the Irish St. Leger (open to older horses)

All three races are run at the Curragh.

Only two horses have won all three races since the Irish Two Thousand Guineas was first run in 1921: Museum in 1935 and the undefeated, Windsor Slipper in 1942 (Williams & Hyland 1980). Desert King won the first two legs in 1997, but was perceived to have stamina limitations and not aimed at the St. Leger. Ironically, he went on to sire a great stayer in Makybe Diva, three times winner of the Melbourne Cup over 2 miles (3.2 km).

Australia[link]

The Australian Triple Crown comprises the following races:^[3]

1. Randwick Guineas (1,600 m)
2. Rosehill Guineas (2,000 m)
3. AJC Australian Derby (2,400 m).

The three year old Triple Crown initially included the Canterbury Guineas (1,900 m) but nowadays the first leg is the Randwick Guineas.^[4]

Winners of the Australian Triple Crown are:^[5]

• Imagele
• Martello Towers
• Moorland
• Octagonal.

The Two Year Old Triple Crown (also known as the Two-year-old Grand Slam)^[6] consists of:

1. Golden Slipper Stakes (1,200 m)
2. AJC Sires Produce Stakes
3. Champagne Stakes (1,600 m).

Only six horses have won the Australian Two Year Old Triple Crown:

• 1970 Baguette
• 1977 Luskin Star
• 1991 Tierce
• 1992 Burst (filly)
• 2004 Dance Hero
• 2012 Pierro

Germany[link]

This unreferenced section requires citations to ensure verifiability.

In Germany, the Triple Crown (Dreifache Krone) consists of

1. Mehl-Mülhens-Rennen, German 2000 Guineas (formerly Henckel-Rennen), Cologne, 1600 m
2. Deutsches Derby, Hamburg, 2400 m
3. Deutsches St. Leger, Dortmund, 2800 m

Only one horse has won the German Triple Crown, Königsstuhl in 1979.

Turkey[link]

This unreferenced section requires citations to ensure verifiability.

In the Turkish, the three races that compose the Triple Crown are:

1. 1000&2000 Guineas (1,600 m)
2. Turkish Derby Stakes (2,400 m)
3. Ankara Stakes (2,800 m)

Three old horses are eligible for the Turkish Triple Crown.

Champions of the Turkish Triple Crown are:

• 1970 Sadettin (Caerlaverock – Zeynep, by Ugur)
• 1971 Minimo (Cihangir – Mighty Mo, by Big Game(GB))
• 1973 Karayel (Prince Tudor – Linda, by Cihangir)
• 1983 Seren.1 (Karayel – Karanara, by Allenheads)
• 1985 Ugurtay (Tunkut – Nosana, by Kythnos)
• 1986 Hafız (Royal Shiraz – Linda, by Cihangir)
• 1996 Bold Pilot (Persian Bold – Rosa Palumba, by Imperial Fling)
• 2001 Grand Ekinoks (Barnato – Violent Girl, by Aristocrat)

Canada[link]

In Canada the three races that comprise the Triple Crown are:

1. Queen's Plate
2. Prince of Wales Stakes
3. Breeders' Stakes.

Winners of the Triple Crown have been:

• 1932 Queensway (unofficial)^[7]
• 1959 New Providence
• 1963 Canebora
• 1989 With Approval
• 1990 Izvestia
• 1991 Dance Smartly
• 1993 Peteski
• 2003 Wando

The winner of the Canadian Fillies Triple Crown is:

• 2007 Sealy Hill

Japan[link]

This unreferenced section requires citations to ensure verifiability.

Japan has two sets of races referred to as Triple Crowns.

Japanese Triple Crown

1. the Satsuki Sho (Japanese 2000 Guineas), at Nakayama Racecourse in Funabashi, Chiba
2. the Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby), at Tokyo Racecourse in Fuchu, Tokyo
3. the Kikuka Sho (Japanese St.Leger), at Kyoto Racecourse in Kyoto, Kyoto

Only seven horses have received the Japanese Triple Crown:

• 1941 St Lite (Diolite – Flippancy, by Flamboyant)
• 1964 Shinzan (Hindostan – Hayanobori, by Hayatake)
• 1983 Mr. C.B. (Tosho Boy – C.B. Queen, by Topyo)
• 1984 Symboli Rudolf (Partholon – Sweet Luna, by Speed Symboli)
• 1994 Narita Brian (Brian's Time – Pacificus, by Northern Dancer)
• 2005 Deep Impact (Sunday Silence – Wind in Her Hair, by Alzao)
• 2011 Orfevre (Stay Gold - Oriental Art, by Mejiro McQueen)

Japanese Fillies' Triple Crown

1. the Oka Sho (Japanese 1000 Guineas), at Hanshin Racecourse in Takarazuka, Hyogo
2. the Yushun Himba (Japanese Oaks), at Tokyo Racecourse in Fuchu, Tokyo
3. the Shuka Sho (since 1996), at Kyoto Racecourse in Kyoto, Kyoto / the Queen Elizabeth II Commemorative Cup (1976–1995)

Only three horses have received the Japanese Fillies' Triple Crown:

• 1986 Mejiro Ramonu (Mogami – Mejiro Hiryu, by Never Beat)
• 2003 Still in Love (Sunday Silence – Bradamante, by Roberto)
• 2010 Apapane (King Kamehameha – Salty Bid, by Salt Lake)

Hong Kong[link]

This unreferenced section requires citations to ensure verifiability.

The Triple Crown series at Hong Kong's Sha Tin Racecourse consists of three races at increasingly longer distances. They are:

1. Hong Kong Stewards' Cup at 1,600 metres (0.99 mi) held in January
2. Hong Kong Gold Cup at 2,000 metres (1.2 mi) held in February
3. Hong Kong Champions & Chater Cup at 2,400 metres (1.5 mi) held in May

In 1994, River Verdon became the first, and to date, only horse to win the Hong Kong Triple Crown.

Macau[link]

This unreferenced section requires citations to ensure verifiability.

In Macau, the Macau Jockey Club introduced the Triple Crown Series in 2008, with three races all held in Taipa Racecourse, Macau:

1. Director's Cup, Macau Group 2 Race, 1,500 metres (0.93 mi)
2. Macau Cup, Macau Group 2 Race, 1,500 metres (0.93 mi)
3. Macau Gold Cup, Macau Group 1 Race, 1,800 metres (1.1 mi)

In 2009 Macau Jockey Club changed the series for 4-year old horses:

1. Macau Guineas, Macau Group 1 Race, 1,500 metres (0.93 mi), only for 4-year old horses
2. Macau Derby, Macau Group 1 Race, 1,800 metres (1.1 mi), only for 4-year old horses
3. Macau Gold Cup, Macau Group 1 Race, 1,800 metres (1.1 mi)

In 2010, Luen Yat Forever become the first and, to date, only horse to win the Macau Triple Crown.

Chile[link]

This unreferenced section requires citations to ensure verifiability.

The three races that comprise the Triple Crown in Chile are:

1. Clásico El Ensayo, Club Hipico de Santiago
2. Clásico St. Leger, Hipodromo Chile
3. El Derby, Valparaiso Sporting Club.

Winners of the Chilean Triple Crown are:

• 1885 Cachaporal
• 1928 Tutti Frutti
• 1939 Grimsby
• 1946 Tabano
• 1951 Empire
• 1956 Eugenia
• 1966 Prologo
• 1991 Wolf

Dominican Republic[link]

• 1979 Cibao
• 1980 Amor Mio
• 1982 Senorita Cuquina
• 1985 Dr. Calderon
• 1990 Candice Akemi
• 1991 J. Robert
• 1997 Sweet Honey
• 2005 Excelencia
• 2007 Matty Alou
• 2008 Sicótico

Panama[link]

• 1964 Pindín
• 1966 Tojo
• 1969 Iván
• 1972 Eugenio
• 1973 Montecarlo
• 1976 El Manut
• 1978 El Gran Capo
• 1992 Leonardo
• 1994 El Chacal
• 1995 Rey Arturo
• 1998 Evaristo
• 2004 Spago
• 2008 Oxsai
• 2010 Voy porque Voy

Puerto Rico[link]

Camarero winner of 56 consecutive races and the Triple Crown.

The Triple Crown series at Puerto Rico's Camarero Racetrack consists of three races at increasingly longer distances. They are:

1. Derby Puertorriqueño at 1,700 meters (8½ furlongs) held in the first Sunday of May
2. Copa Gobernador at 1,800 meters (9 furlongs) held in the end of May
3. Copa San Juan at 1,900 meters (9½ furlongs) held in the last Sunday of June

The Puerto Rico Triple Crown winners are:

• 1954 Camarero ^[8]
• 1961 Cardiologo, also won 23 consecutive races.^[9]
• 1966 El Rebelde
• 1981 Hurly Road
• 1991 Vuelve Candy B
• 1999 Cherokee Pepper
• 2001 Estrellero, also won 19 consecutive races.
• 2002 Mediavilla R
• 2011 Don Paco

Uruguay[link]

This unreferenced section requires citations to ensure verifiability.

The three races that comprise the Triple Crown in Uruguay are:

1. Gran Premio Polla de Potrillos
2. Gran Premio Jockey Club
3. Gran Premio Nacional

This combination of races received some publicity outside of Uruguay in 2006. The 2005 Triple Crown winner Invasor, after being sold to Sheik Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum's Shadwell Racing and sent to be raced in the United States, went on to win three Grade I races in 2006 before winning that year's Breeders' Cup Classic. He finished the year as the top-ranked horse in the 2006 World Thoroughbred Racehorse Rankings, and won the 2007 Dubai World Cup before being retired to stud following a training injury.

Uruguayan Triple Crown winners are:

• 1988 Amodeo
• 1994 Parsiphal
• 2005 Invasor

Ecuador[link]

This unreferenced section requires citations to ensure verifiability.

1980 – present

Ecuador has two sets of races referred to as Triple Crowns:

Ecuador Triple Crown

1. Clásico Estreno Dr. Raúl Lebed Sigall, at Hipódromo BUIJO in Samborondón;
2. Clásico Polla Nacional Sr. Agustin Febres Cordero, at Hipódromo BUIJO in Samborondón;
3. Clásico Derby Nacional Sr.Benjamin Rosales A., at Hipódromo BUIJO in Samborondón;

Ecuador Fillies' Triple Crown

1. Clásico Ing. Carlos San Andres, at Hipódromo BUIJO in Samborondón;
2. Clásico Sr. Eduardo Jairala F, at Hipódromo BUIJO in Samborondón;
3. Clásico Abogado Carlos Julio Arosemena Peet, at Hipódromo BUIJO in Samborondón;

Pre-1980

In Ecuador, the Triple Crown consists of:

1. Clásico Nelson Uraga Suarez, at Hipódromo Santa Cecilia in Guayaquil;
2. Clásico Enrique Guzman Aspiazu, at Hipódromo Santa Cecilia in Guayaquil;
3. Clásico Inginiero Ignacio De Icaza Aspiazu, at Hipódromo Santa Cecilia in Guayaquil.

Triple Crown Champions:

Venezuela[link]

This unreferenced section requires citations to ensure verifiability.

Venezuela has two sets of races referred to as Triple Crowns:

• Venezuelan Official Triple Crown
  • Clásico José Antonio Páez, at Hipódromo La Rinconada in Caracas;
  • Clásico Cría Nacional (former Clásico Ministerio de Agricultura y Cría), at Hipódromo La Rinconada in Caracas;
  • Clásico República de Venezuela (Venezuelan Derby), at Hipódromo La Rinconada in Caracas;
• Venezuelan Fillies' Triple Crown
  • Clásico Hipódromo La Rinconada, at Hipódromo La Rinconada in Caracas;
  • Clásico Prensa Hípica Nacional, at Hipódromo La Rinconada in Caracas;
  • Clásico General Joaquín Crespo, at Hipódromo La Rinconada in Caracas;

Venezuelan Official Triple Crown Champions: (From 1956)

Undefeated Triple Crown winners[link]

• Ormonde (1886) United Kingdom
• Bahram (1935) United Kingdom
• Windsor Slipper (1942) Ireland
• Camarero (1954) Puerto Rico
• Gradisco (1960) Venezuela
• Seattle Slew (1977) United States
• El Gran Capo (1978) Panama
• Pikotazo (1980) Mexico
• Royal Dad (1981) Jamaica
• Symboli Rudolf (1984) Japan
• Excelencia (2005) Dominican Republic
• Deep Impact (2005) Japan
• Shadwell (2005) Uruguay

Individual Triple Crown winners[link]

Only two jockeys have won the Triple Crown with different horses:

• Ruben Colon (Puerto Rico 1974)
• Luis Contreras (Canada 2011)
• Eddie Arcaro (United States 1941, Whirlaway; 1948, Citation)

Back to back Triple Crown winners (jockeys)[link]

Don Seymour (Canada)

• 1990 Izvestia
• 1991 Dance Smartly

Javier Santiago (Puerto Rico)

• 2001 Estrellero
• 2002 Mediavilla R

Most Triple Crown winners (jockeys)[link]

Winston Grifiths - Jamaica (5)

• 1981 Royal Dad
• 1988 Liu Chie Poo
• 1992 Milligram
• 2001 I’msatisfied
• 2002 Simply Magic (filly)

Alexis Feliciano - Puerto Rico (3)

• 1991 Vuelve Candy B
• 1999 Cherokee Pepper
• 2011 Don Paco

Emisael Jaramillo - Venezuela (3)

• 2005 Polo Grounds
• 2007 Taconeo
• 2010 Water Jet

See also[link]

• List of leading Thoroughbred racehorses

References[link]

William Leonard Roberts II (born January 28, 1976), better known by his stage name Rick Ross (often stylized as RICK RO$$), is an American rapper. He derived his stage name from the drug trafficker "Freeway" Ricky Ross, to whom he has no connection. Ross founded the record label Maybach Music Group, on which he released his studio albums Deeper Than Rap and Teflon Don, Ross was also the first artist signed to Diddy's management company Ciroc Entertainment. In early 2012, MTV named Ross as the Hottest MC In The Game.^[3]

Early life[link]

William Leonard Roberts II was born in Coahoma County, Mississippi.^[1] and raised in Carol City, Florida, near Miami.^[2] After graduating from Carol City Senior High School, he later attended the historically black college Albany State University on a football scholarship.^[4]

Music career[link]

After being signed to Suave House Records, former label for rap duo 8Ball & MJG, he eventually signed a deal with Slip-n-Slide Records, which has been under the Def Jam umbrella since 2006. While signed to Slip-n-Slide, Ross toured with fellow rapper Trick Daddy and made guest performances on other Slip-n-Slide albums.^[2]

[edit] Port of Miami (2006)

His debut album Port of Miami was released in August 2006 and debuted at the top spot on the Billboard 200 album chart, with sales at 187,000 units after its first week.^[5][6] Christian Hoard of Rolling Stone magazine predicted that it would be "the summer's biggest rap record".^[7] The second single was "Push It", which samples "Scarface (Push It to the Limit)", the theme song off the gangster film Scarface.^[8] The music video for "Push It" was modeled after the film.^[9] During that time, Ross made guest performances on two singles from DJ Khaled's debut Listennn... the Album: "Born-N-Raised" and "Holla at Me". Port of Miami received Gold certification from the Recording Industry Association of America on November 8, 2006.

[edit] Trilla (2008)

In March 2008, his second album Trilla was released and, as its predecessor Port of Miami had, debuted at the top of the Billboard 200.^[10] Its lead single "Speedin'" featuring R. Kelly peaked at #121 on the Billboard Hot 100; the next one, "The Boss" featuring T-Pain peaked at #17 on the Hot 100. The third single "Here I Am" featured Nelly and Avery Storm.^[11] MTV News ranked Ross on the fourth spot in its 2008 "Hottest MCs In The Game" list among ten rappers.^[12] The fourth single "This Is The Life" featured Trey Songz and was released in July.

[edit] Deeper Than Rap (2009)

"I look at the game and the business and all different aspects, it's a lot of great lyricists on the corner that will never properly understand the business and know how to market themselves and get in a position where they can gain capital. I look at all the strategies people use and what made them successful. What made Birdman just as relevant today after selling 50 million records? That intrigues me. To see the class of Jay-Z, his accomplishments and see how he sits backs and accurately makes his moves."^[13]

A track from the album called "Valley of Death" was what stood out to MTV reporters. In the song, Ross speaks briefly on his controversial stint as a prison guard. "Keep it trilla, nigga, never had a gun and badge," which he stresses, leaving the word that he was indeed an officer of the law. "Kept a nice watch, smoking on a hundred sack/ Back in the day I sold crack for some nice kicks/ Skippin' school, I saw my friend stabbed with an ice pick/ Can't criticize niggas trying to get jobs/ Better get smart, young brother, live yours." Later, he implies that while he was working as a corrections officer, he was on the streets. "Only lived once and I got two kids/ And for me to feed them, I'll get two gigs," he raps. "I'll shovel shit, I'll C.O./ So we can bow our heads and pray over the meatloaf." Although, he still provided no explanation for lying about being a C.O. to begin with, nor did he explain why he failed to pay child support for his children.^[14][15]

The cover of the May 2009 issue of XXL magazine, titled "Rick Ross Up in Smoke", featured Ross wearing a pair of Louis Vuitton sunglasses. After publication, a spokesperson for the luxury-goods maker contacted XXL to inform them that Ross was sporting fake sunglasses in the cover image.^[16] It was later revealed that the rapper was wearing authentic Louis Vuitton sunglasses which were altered by Jacob Bernstein, known as "The Sunglass Pimp". Bernstein defended his customizations despite Louis Vuitton's insistence that such modification and resale of trademarked property is not legal.^[17]

[edit] Teflon Don and other works (2010)

Rick Ross released his fourth studio album entitled Teflon Don, which was released on July 6, 2010. The lead is "Super High" featuring Ne-Yo. Actress Stacey Dash made an appearance in the music video. A second official single was released titled "Live Fast, Die Young" which features and is produced by Kanye West. The album debuted at #2 on the Billboard 200 selling 176,000 copies in its first week.

In November 2010, rapper and frequent collabourator, Diddy, who in 2009 signed Ross to a management deal with his Ciroc Entertainment, announced from his YouTube account, that him and Ross are working on an EP together, which is going to be released in 2011.^{[dated info]} A single has been released for the project, called "Another One".^[18]

[edit] God Forgives, I Don't (2011 - present)

Rick Ross had also announced the release of his next album, "God Forgives, I Don't", for December 13, 2011, however it was confirmed on November 17, 2011 it has been pushed back for release in 2012.^[19][20]

Rick Ross premiered two songs from his new album "God Forgives, I Don't", titled "You The Boss" and "I Love My Bitches".^[21]

Along with his music projects, Rick Ross was nominated by The Source as its "Man of the Year".^[22]

Rick Ross performed at BET Awards 2011, which aired on June 26, 2011.^[23] He also received a nomination for Best Male Hip Hop Artist.^[24] In early 2012, Ross was named the Hottest MC In The Game.^[3]

Personal life[link]

Correctional officer photos[link]

In July 2008, The Smoking Gun produced details linking Ross' social security number to an eighteen month stint as a correctional officer at the South Florida Reception Center, along with a photograph purporting to be Ross in his correctional officer uniform.^[25] Ross initially denied that the photograph was of him;^[26] after overwhelming evidence of his past came into the public's eye, Ross later admitted that he did work as a correctional officer in Florida during the early 1990s.^[27] In a 2008 interview with AllHipHop.com,^[28] "Freeway" Ricky Ross, claimed offense that Roberts used his name and identity when he learned that The Smoking Gun posted documents revealing Roberts' previous employment as a Florida correctional officer.^[29]

Legal issues[link]

Mugshot of Rick Ross taken in 2008.

In January 2008, Ross was arrested on gun and marijuana charges. During a deposition of Officer Rey Hernandez, a Miami Beach cop who arrested Ross, Ross's lawyer, Allan Zamren, asked Hernandez why Ross’s case was assigned to the gang task force. The officer stated that it was because Ross claimed affiliation with Carol City Cartel and other known gang members. Zamren then pressed Hernandez for a personal link between Ross and the gang members, but ultimately one could not be established.^[30]

In August 2008, YouTube entertainer DJ Vlad filed a lawsuit against Ross for assault and battery. Vlad claimed Ross organized an ambush on him at the 2008 Ozone Awards in Houston, Texas for asking questions about his past as a correctional officer.^[31]

On June 18, 2010, Freeway Ricky Ross sued Rick Ross for using his name,^[32] filing a copyright infringement lawsuit in a California Federal Court.^[32] Jay-Z had been called to testify in the lawsuit, as he was CEO of Def Jam when Ross/Roberts was signed.^[32] The reformed drug kingpin was looking for 10 million dollars in the lawsuit.^[32] Also, the release of his album, Teflon Don, was threatened to be blocked by Freeway Ricky Ross. A week after the filing of the lawsuit, Rick Ross responded to the charges: "It’s like owning a restaurant, you’re gonna have a few slip and falls. You get lawsuits, you deal with them, and get them out your way…sometimes you lose."^[33] He then denied rumors that he would change his name to "Ricky Rozay" as a consequence of the lawsuit. The lawsuit was thrown out of court on July 3, 2010^[34] and his album, Teflon Don, was released on July 20 as scheduled.

On March 26, 2011, Ross was arrested in Shreveport for possession of marijuana. According to the police records, a strong odor of marijuana was detected from his room at the Hilton in Downtown Shreveport.^[35]

Religion[link]

Rick Ross is a Christian,^[36] and in an interview with Corey "Coco Brother" Condrey on Lift Every Voice, he indicated that "I had told myself at one point no matter what I go through, I never question God."^[37] In addition, Ross indicated that he prays every time he goes on stage to perform.^[38]

Seizures[link]

On October 14, 2011 Rick Ross suffered two seizures in the same day, once in the morning and once again early evening. Following the morning seizure, he was unconscious and CPR was being performed. He did, however, post a video to his Twitter account later in the day saying that he was OK.^{[citation needed]} Ross boarded another plane later in the day and suffered another seizure. On October 14, the University of Alabama at Birmingham Hospital confirmed that Ross had been admitted to the emergency room. TMZ, who first reported the seizure, updated their story originally posted at 4:45 PST, stating that Ross was in stable condition.^{[citation needed]}

Feud with 50 Cent[link]

In January 2009, Ross started a feud with rapper 50 Cent because he supposedly looked at him the wrong way at the BET Awards. 50 Cent told news sources that he did not remember seeing Ross there.^[39] In late January, "Mafia Music", by Ross, leaked onto the Internet. There were several lines that seemed to diss 50 Cent. Days later, 50 Cent released "Officer Ricky (Go Head, Try Me)" in response to Ross's disparaging remarks on his "Mafia Music" song.

Before going to Venezuela, 50 Cent uploaded a video entitled "Warning Shot," wherein he stated: "Rick Ross- I'mma fuck your life up for fun." In addition, 50 Cent released the first of a series of "Officer Ricky" cartoons. Early in February, 50 Cent once again made a video which he uploaded to YouTube in which he interviewed "Tia", the mother of one of Ross's children. She verifies that he was a correctional officer and claims his whole persona is fake and fraudulent.^[40] On Thursday, February 5, 2009, Game, who 50 Cent has a long-standing "beef" with, called up Seattle R&B station KUBE. When asked about the beef between 50 Cent and Ross, Game sided with 50 Cent and said that things are not looking good for Ross. He offered to help, stating, "Rick Ross, holla at your boy, man," and, "50 eating you, boy."^[41] On his album Deeper Than Rap, Ross references 50 Cent in the song "In Cold Blood". A video for the song was released that portrayed 50 Cent's mock funeral. Upon release, Ross stated that he has ended 50 Cent's career.^[42] That same day Ross released a new diss track called "Push 'Em Over The Edge". The next day 50 Cent released the controversial video "A Psychic Told Me", dissing DJ Khaled. On February 12, 50 Cent responded with "Tia Told Me", along with Lloyd Banks' response "Officer Down" and Tony Yayo's "Somebody Snitched".

In an interview, 50 Cent said Ross is "Albert From CB4. You ever seen the movie? He's Albert," he added. "It never gets worse than this. You get a guy that was a correctional officer come out and base his entire career on writing material from a drug dealer's perspective."^[43]

Discography[link]

Solo albums[link]

• 2006: Port of Miami
• 2008: Trilla
• 2009: Deeper Than Rap
• 2010: Teflon Don
• 2012: God Forgives, I Don't ^[20]

Maybach Music Group Albums[link]

• 2011: Self Made Vol. 1 (with Maybach Music Group)
• 2012: Self Made Vol. 2 (with Maybach Music Group)^[44]

Collaboration albums[link]

• 2009: Custom Cars & Cycles (with Triple C's)
• TBA: Bugatti Boyz (with Diddy)^[45][46]

Compilation albums[link]

• 2007: Rise to Power

References[link]