Becoming the Bawse: Eight-Part History of Rick Ross, From Street Rapper to Maybach Mogul

Maybach Music World Takeover
In May 2011, Ross and MMG released its first compilation, Self Made Vol. 1, featuring the Bawse on 11 of 15 tracks, though never as the lead MC. He was just showing support and backing up some of the dopest rappers in the game, like Wale, Meek Mill, French Montana, and Stalley.

GQ took interest and profiled Rozay in that year's October issue. Again, Ross was exposed to broader audience, building his reputation as a hip-hop heavyweight -- theoretically and literally.

"I'm enjoying life," he said in the piece. "Being a boss. Like all true bosses, one day you gotta give it up... I just have my homeys or whatever bringing me the best food. I smoke the best weed. I get the best massages. I keep myself in shit like this."

Present Day
Of course, Rick Ross couldn't speak with New Times for this piece. He was far too busy doing baller shit like "selling dope straight off the iPhone" and collaborating with Dr. Dre and Jay-Z on "classic hip-hop shit" like "3 Kings."

No doubt, big homie is the Bawse. And believe, the takeover ain't even complete.

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