Musician

I created MMG years ago. My desire was to create a space where the most talented artists in the world could be nurtured and supported. With that came a commitment. I vowed to support these artists through the good and the bad.

In high school, I played football and became an all-American offensive lineman, but my father hadn't been to any of my games. In those instances, you still hold your head up high. But, when you look up into the stands and you see everyone else's parents cheering and supporting, you have to just stay focused and push through.

When you walk in a room, the room should feel that this guy's different. What does he do? Who is he? And that's confidence, not cockiness.

I'm fortunate enough to socialize with some of the greatest musicians around.

Being your best can only enhance your personal performance.

When someone mentions my name because they're attacking someone that I'm close with, it's my problem now.

Miami is a party city, a go-fast city.

My father wasn't there the majority of the time. My father, someone who I always honored and looked up to, had been in the military; he had been to war. I would hear stories about different experiences he went through, but as I got older, my father moved away.

Def Jam is an iconic label.

I think we all have a right to bear arms, whichever amendment that is.

Blast my record out the windows of your Honda Accord. And if anyone gives you grief, you look them right in the eye and tell them Rick Ross told you wealth begins in the heart.

Five years before 'Port of Miami,' I was to a point where I may have even felt like quitting... the style and the wordplay of my lyricism was more complex than what Miami was used to.

Really, every day is the perfect day to boss up. Every day that you wake up is a perfect day to boss up. It's all about continuing to put one foot in front of the next. That's what it's about. Whatever you think you're going through, just put one foot in front of the next.

With me being an artist that took over a decade to get on, there's so many different things that I have in common with artists that's struggling to get on.

Puff Daddy is a great party thrower. He goes down in the history books.

It's pretty much a given known fact in the industry that before I was successful, I wrote for other artists.

As artists, we are blessed to be able to make money but, on the same note, are held accountable for our federal tax obligations just like everyone else.

When I used to sit in the office with Jay Z and L.A. Reid... we would negotiate back and forth and discuss music. You're sitting in front of someone for hours. It's all about being passionate. Everything begins with yourself.

Toomp produced 'White House' on my first record, and we made magic.

I'm a hustler. I'm the Boss.