INKED Exclusive: Rick Ross

The Boss is Back

Interview by Dove Clark Photos by Yan Freire

As we enter Carousel Studios on a rather cool Miami afternoon, Rick Ross is in the midst of his Inked Magazine photo shoot, as his longtime tattoo artist Lordgyn “Gino” Belizaire touches up some work, including a custom Jesus piece on Ross’s left forearm. The room is quieter than you’d expect. Music is playing, but very little conversation is happening as the photographer snaps away. The calm energy is not surprising, given that just two days earlier Ross’s dear friend and manager Black Bo passed away suddenly. The fact that the Maybach Music mogul even agreed to move forward with his appearances at Art Basel and this interview was commendable… silently understood that it’s all done in tribute, because this is what Black would have wanted him to do.

From his recently-announced Rich Hair Care luxury beard grooming line for men and sneaker collaboration with Ewing Athletics, to his successful Wingstop restaurants and growing Belaire liquor line, Rick Ross has proven time and time again that he’s got a knack for winning. He even made the move to reality television, something he never thought he’d do, with the VH1 competition Signed. It appears that he’s got the TV bug now, as he tells us about a new tattoo show he’s developing with Gino.

The sorrow is palpable as we start off discussing the aforementioned Jesus piece, but Ross doesn’t convey any sadness in his words. Instead, we discuss loyalty, growth and commitment — all qualities that have made Ross the true industry leader and entrepreneur he is today.

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