By Thomas Sellers Jr.
Grammy nominated rapper Rick Ross shakes the hand of Millington Central High School graduate and former Lambuth standout wide receiver Jesse Ferrell before hosting a ribbon cutting at the Wingstop in Bartlett Thursday afternoon. Ferrell, who is known as Ja-Alan in the music industry, made the drive to Bartlett to introduce himself and some tracks to Ross who is the head of his own record label.
BARTLETT — The smell over crispy chicken wings served as the backdrop with the arrival of Rick Ross to the Bartlett Wingstop location. Ross, born William Leonard Roberts II, made the trip to hold an official ribbon cutting with the Bartlett Chamber of Commerce. The word spread quickly that the Grammy Award nominated hip-hop artist and owner of the Wingstop was in town. Fans and supporters gathered at the 2839 Bartlett Blvd., location to greet Ross and get autographs. Ross took a moment away from his fans to participate in the ribbon cutting. “I appreciate the love from Bartlett,” Ross said after receiving a medallion from the city of Bartlett and certificates from the Chamber. “This is real nice.” Before becoming the world-famous “Boss” Rick Ross, Roberts was born in Coahoma County, Miss., and raised in Carol City, Fla. Miami became his home graduating from Miami Carol City Senior High School. Ross was a standout football player in high school earning a scholarship to Albany State University. Heading into the hip-hop world, Ross developed his stage persona of Rick Ross. He was singed to Suave House Records, former label for Memphis rap duo 8Ball & MJG. Ross gained more exposure after signing a deal with Slip-n-Slide Records, which has been under the Def Jam umbrella since 2006. In 2009, Ross became the “Boss” when he founded the record label Maybach Music Group, on which he released his studio albums Deeper Than Rap (2009), Teflon Don (2010), God Forgives, I Don’t (2012), and Mastermind (2014). Other Ross business venture include the Wingstop restaurants with 25 locations across the Southeast. There are five in the Memphis area including the newest one on Union Ave. The previous day Ross received the key to the city of Memphis from it’s Mayor AC Wharton. The following day, Ross made his way to Bartlett to celebrate the success of the eatery. Before his arrival, most of the fans there to see him couldn’t help but purchase of the wings and other items on the menu.
Ross’ arrival was the icing on the cake with him signing autographs and taking cell phone pictures with customers and fans.
