Rick "Rozay" Ross isn't just a rap icon; he's a self-made empire builder who always envisioned a life lived at a higher altitude – both literally and figuratively. A nine-time Grammy nominee and multi-platinum artist, his journey from the streets of Miami, chronicled in his breakout hit "Hustlin'," to sharing moments with President Obama and starring in "Coming 2 America" is a testament to his relentless ambition. With billions of streams, countless platinum plaques, and two New York Times bestsellers under his belt, Ross has cemented his place in the cultural stratosphere.
But the music is just one facet of the 49-year-old mogul's multifaceted empire. A true connoisseur of luxury and a strategic entrepreneur, Ross has built a formidable portfolio spanning restaurants (think Wingstop and Checkers), personal product lines, lucrative collaborations (Belaire Rosé, Rap Snacks), and a real estate portfolio worth millions. He's also the driving force behind Maybach Music Group, the label that launched the careers of superstars like Meek Mill and Wale.
Now, as he continues his ascent, Ross sat down with Haute Living's Editor-in-Chief Laura Schreffler to discuss a lifelong dream finally realized: owning his very own private jet. A passion for pristine craftsmanship, ignited by a childhood job at a local car wash, has fueled his journey into aviation. His Gulfstream G550, emblazoned with the iconic "Rich Forever" mantra, is more than just a mode of transport; it's a symbol of his unwavering commitment to living life at its peak, seamlessly blending business and pleasure with unparalleled style.
Captured for the inaugural cover of Haute Jets, Ross embodies the spirit of the skies, celebrating the ultimate luxury of private aviation while inspiring a new generation to dream bigger, fly higher, and, of course, hustle harder. Fresh off the heels of his latest album, "Too Good To Be True," and his celebrated Rick Ross Car & Bike Show at his sprawling "Promise Land" estate, Ross continues to evolve, channeling his hard-earned success into his most authentic and opulent work yet.
Haute Jets enlisted the charismatic TV host Terrence J to delve into Ross's world, venturing into his private hangar at the Opa Locka airport. What awaited was a sensory overload of luxury: a wild collection of vintage and high-end cars, a gamer's paradise of video games, and a bulletproof wine cellar – a testament to Ross's "go big or go home" ethos. Interestingly, Ross had manifested this very jet during his last Haute Living cover shoot, making this interview a remarkable full-circle moment.
Reflecting on his journey from the streets to his private jet, Ross shared with Terrence J, "Just reflecting on where I come from — right here in Carroll City, Miami — man, it means a lot to me. All the hard work, that positive energy. At some point, it became magnetic. Once it became magnetic, the success became addictive. You know what I mean? And when you’re doing something that you really love and are passionate about, everything just falls into place. There’s no way I could have seen this transpiring. I grew up riding by Opa Locka Airport my whole life. So, when I pull up here now, it’s most definitely [a wild feeling]."
Ross's hangar isn't your average aircraft storage. As Terrence J observed, it's an exclusive haven, a "garage for the jet" that comes with a hefty price tag – upwards of $75,000 to $100,000 per month, including a 24/7 dedicated staff. The hangar also houses a jaw-dropping collection of cars, including two vintage Bel Airs worth a cool $750,000 combined, and a video game setup that, while Ross playfully downplayed the cost, undoubtedly adds to the hangar's "chill spot" vibe.
Adding an unexpected touch of opulence is Ross's custom-built, bulletproof wine cellar, a "small wine compound" as Terrence J described it. Created by the "Sea Aquarium guy," it features temperature-controlled sections for his extensive collection, a testament to Ross's appreciation for the finer things in life.
The star of the show, however, is undoubtedly the Gulfstream G550. Ross proudly walked Terrence J through the meticulously redone interior, boasting a G600-inspired design with a comfortable bed in the back and the capacity to seat 17 to 18 people. For Ross, the acquisition of this private jet wasn't just about luxury; it was a strategic business decision. "The Rozay brand, it’s not just, you know, rap battles and rhymes and shows... But it’s most definitely a bigger brand now. We are global. We are international. Last year alone, I was the most booked artist in Dubai. But as you grow and the older you get, you find ways to make it that much easier on you; your time means that much more."
He explained how owning a jet has revolutionized his travel schedule, eliminating the time-consuming hassles of commercial flights and allowing him to seamlessly blend touring with his numerous business ventures. He even used the jet to manage his appearances on the Millennium Tour while simultaneously handling business in Las Vegas.
Beyond the jet, Ross's entrepreneurial spirit continues to soar. He recently ventured into the dental industry, partnering with celebrity dentist Mario Montoya to open a practice in Atlanta. This unexpected move stemmed from his own positive experience as a client and his keen business sense in recognizing a valuable opportunity. "As a boss, that’s what our responsibility is. How can we make this easier and make it more accessible? And that’s what we did. And man, it’s taking off right now."
While the jet is undoubtedly a "work toy," Ross also owns a yacht, further highlighting his penchant for high-end transportation. However, when it comes to his G550, named "The Golden Eagle," it's strictly for personal and business use, no chartering allowed. The exterior boasts a custom, half-million-dollar paint job, a testament to Ross's patience and strategic planning. He waited until he was in a financially comfortable position to truly invest in this symbol of his success.
The name "Golden Eagle" holds a special significance for Ross. "The eagle’s always meant something to me. You get to see from a long way. Birds got to flap their wings all day. Eagles can just go up and glide. This can glide for 14 hours," he shared, highlighting the jet's impressive capabilities. While it can fly non-stop from Miami to Paris, Ross admits he enjoys a layover in London for some high-end shopping and, of course, mandatory fish and chips.
When traveling to Dubai, another frequent destination, Ross prefers the energy of a hotel suite over the seclusion of a villa, valuing the social interactions and potential business opportunities that come with a bustling hotel environment. And when it comes to arriving in style, Rolls-Royces, courtesy of H&R, are the standard.
The cost of operating a private jet is astronomical, with Ross estimating that filling up just one of the G550's wings with fuel could cost upwards of $30,000 to $35,000. This "bad boy," as Terrence J aptly called it, is powered by Rolls-Royce engines, a fitting touch of luxury.
Ross revealed that he finds more inspiration for his music on his yacht than on his plane. The jet is primarily for business and efficient travel. Before any flight, a prayer is mandatory, followed by strategic planning to "take it to that next level." For Ross, the jet is a tool to execute his ambitious vision and ensure his business partners understand the value of the "Rozay" brand.
Despite his numerous ventures, Ross maintains his sanity by genuinely loving everything he's involved in. From decorating his Star Island home to his partnerships in spirits and snacks, his passion fuels his drive. He emphasizes the importance of partnering with the very best, making his multifaceted empire easier to manage.
Having graced the cover of Haute three times, Ross reflected on his previous manifestation of owning a private jet during a 2018 cover shoot. Now, sitting in his "Golden Eagle," he continues to manifest those same high-flying vibes. His advice for aspiring jet owners? "I was just studying the game. I knew I had a long way to go. I knew it wasn’t a rush... I was patient. I just stacked my money up. I was patient."
Owning a private jet comes with its own set of unanticipated realities, from maintenance costs to the occasional bird-related mishaps. But for Rick Ross, the "Golden Eagle" is more than just an expensive toy; it's a symbol of his hard-earned success, a testament to his unwavering ambition, and a vehicle that allows him to continue soaring to even greater heights in his ever-expanding empire. His journey from "Hustlin'" to high-flying is a powerful reminder that with vision, dedication, and a relentless hustle, even the most audacious dreams can take flight.
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