Rick Ross honored with street named after him in Mississippi
Rick Ross has street named after him in Mississippi
When Grammy-nominated rapper and entrepreneur Rick Ross returned to his hometown of Clarksdale, Mississippi, on June 19, he was welcomed with something extraordinary: a brand-new street bearing his name. This isn’t just about fame. It’s about heart. It’s about roots. It’s about a legacy carved into the place where his journey began.
Street Naming in Clarksdale: A Hometown Celebration
At 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, in front of his WingStop franchise at 300 Issaquena Avenue, Rick Ross—born William Leonard Roberts II—was met with cheers. The crowd included city leaders, community members, and longtime fans. As balloons floated overhead and cameras flashed, Mayor Chuck Espy stood beside the rapper during the unveiling of “Rick Ross Way.”
Mayor Espy recognized more than music and business success. He honored Ross’s commitment to the city. “We not only honor his music legacy, but we honor his heart,” Espy said. It was a moment that reminded everyone: real heroes give back.
Family Ties and Cultural Roots
Ross’s connection to Clarksdale runs deep. This city in Delta Mississippi shaped his youth. It shaped his vision. And even after rising to fame, he returned—often. He built businesses. He supported local projects. And quietly, he did things “behind closed doors” that mattered just as much as his public acts.
That blend of public success and private humility is key. It shows that success isn’t just what you do. It’s who you remain. And Rick Ross has stayed anchored to his roots.
From Hip-Hop Stardom to Business Mogul
Rick Ross’s rise through the hip-hop ranks is part of his legend. Multiple platinum albums. Billboard chart-toppers. Founder of Maybach Music Group. But his story didn’t stop at music.
He blended beats with business:
- WingStop franchises across the South, including the new Clarksdale location.
- Luc Belaire partnership.
- Supply chain/product ventures like Bugatti Bags.
- Consumer products such as Slippery Soap now in 400+ AutoZone stores.
- Beauty and lifestyle ventures like Smiles by Mario Montoya.
In every arena, Ross doesn’t just invest. He builds, mentors, and scales. It reflects his view that success is multiplying opportunity.
What the City Says
Mayor Espy praised Ross’s heart more than his fame. He reminded the crowd that greatness isn’t about trophies. It’s about giving. Every donation, every business created, every visit home mattered.
Ross’s humility resonated with locals. He didn’t just come for the headlines. He came to listen. He came to support. And this street naming is a permanent reminder that actions resonate long after the speech ends.
Rick Ross’s Own Words: Humble & Grateful
During the unveiling, Ross spoke with heartfelt grace:
“First off God is great. To be back in the city where my story began… it’s humbling. Clarksdale, this is more than a street name. This is legacy.”
When asked about his proudest moments in Clarksdale, Ross said:
“It be the things I don’t discuss… things just happen behind closed doors… you show a lot of love… that means the most to me.”
He talked about quiet gestures—shopping sprees at Walmart, giving to families in need, lifting local students—all without cameras. That resonates deeply. It shows that generosity doesn’t need an audience.
Clarksdale: More Than Just a Birthplace
Clarksdale stands as a cultural landmark in the American South. Rich in blues history. Forever linked to storytelling and soul. Recently, the feature film Sinners was shot here, reminding everyone why the city matters.
Naming a street after Rick Ross strengthens that cultural identity. Ross is not only from Clarksdale. He belongs to it. And the city belongs to him. Their story grew up together. And they rise together.
The Power of Paying It Forward
- Stay Connected to Your Roots
Success doesn’t sever your origins. Ross shows how returning home keeps you grounded—and inspires others. - Lead with Quiet Generosity
Public recognition is great. But private acts of kindness create long-lasting impact. - Build Communities, Not Just Careers
Whether it’s music or business, lasting impact comes from investing in others. - Use Achievements to Inspire
From platinum plaques to startup launches, Ross uses his platform to encourage the next generation. - Celebrate Where You Started
A street named after you? Nice. Better? Knowing your story lives on where it began.
A Month of Honors for Rick Ross
The street naming isn’t the only recognition Ross received this month:
- He hosted the 4th annual Rick Ross Car & Bike Show at his Fayetteville, GA estate, “The Promise Land.”
- He received a proclamation from Congresswoman Nikema Williams.
- He earned official resolutions from Georgia Rep. Debra Bazemore and Fulton County Commissioner Marvin Arrington, Jr.
- He’s preparing new music, including a Pharrell collaboration, with a video shot in Paris.
Across industries and across borders, Ross’s influence is expanding. Yet it all circles back to Clarksdale.
What “Rick Ross Way” Means for the Future
This is more than a street. It’s a signpost. A lesson. A blueprint for how fame can serve a community. It says:
- You can leave.
- You can reach for the stars.
- And you can still return home and plant seeds for the next generation.
For Clarksdale, “Rick Ross Way” is a gift. For others watching, it’s an invitation. What’s your legacy? How will you give back?
Rick Ross’s story is a rich tapestry of music, entrepreneurship, and community building. His vision extends beyond verse and beats. It’s rooted in places and people. Now, every driver that rolls down Rick Ross Way will be reminded of how one man from Mississippi used his voice, capital, and compassion to create meaningful change.
Clarksdale is on the map. Not just on a map. In hearts. In culture. In history. And Rick Ross reminded us all of what happens when talent returns home and serves where it started.