Roots of Rick Ross

P-Square were a Nigerian music duo composed of the twin brothers Peter Okoye and Paul Okoye, who co-write and co-produce most of their songs. Noted for their artistic reinvention, musical versatility, and visual presentation, they are widely regarded as one of the most influential African acts of all time and one of the most successful music groups from Africa. They were integral to the evolution of 2000s and 2010s African popular music. The duo was launched into the mainstream recognition following the release of the song "Senorita" in 2003, and later gained recognition after releasing their sophomore album Get Squared in 2005. The success of the album earned them a nomination at the MTV Europe Music Awards for Best African Act in 2006. In 2015, P-Square was awarded Artistes of the Decade at the MTV Africa Music Awards 2015.

Olajide Olayinka Williams "JJ" Olatunji, known professionally as KSI, is a British influencer, musician, and former professional boxer. He is a co-founder and former member of YouTube group the Sidemen, the co-founder of Misfits Boxing and co-owner of several businesses, including Prime Hydration and Lunchly. KSI has also served as a judge on Britain's Got Talent since 2025.

Sean Fenton, better known by the stage name Elijah Blake, is a Haitian-Dominican singer, songwriter and record producer. He wrote songs for Keyshia Cole, Rick Ross, Rihanna, and co-wrote Usher's number-one R&B hit, "Climax".

Byron Otto Thomas, better known by his stage name Mannie Fresh, is an American rapper and record producer. He is best known for his production work for Cash Money Records releases, as well as being half of the hip hop duo Big Tymers with the label's co-founder, Birdman.

Alonzo Keith Mathis Jr., better known by his stage name Gorilla Zoe, is an American rapper from East Point, Georgia. He joined the Bad Boy Records hip hop group Boyz n da Hood in 2006, following the departure of its lead member, Jeezy. His first album with the group, Back Up n da Chevy (2007) was met with lukewarm critical and commercial reception, leading to their subsequent disbandment. He then signed with Bad Boy, an imprint of Atlantic Records in a joint venture with Block Entertainment as a solo act to release his debut studio album, Welcome to the Zoo (2007).

Charley Wingate, better known by his stage name Max B, is an American rapper, singer, and songwriter from Harlem, New York. He is best known for his solo Public Domain and Million Dollar Baby series of mixtapes. He coined the term "wavy" as a slang in popular lexicon, originating the wave movement in hip-hop. Released from federal prison on November 9, 2025 after serving sixteen years, he returned to music and scored his first career number-one single with "Ever Since U Left Me " with French Montana, which reached number one on Billboard Rhythmic Airplay and Mediabase Rhythmic Radio in 2026. He also appeared on "Minks in Miami" with Rick Ross and French Montana, which reached number one on Billboard Mainstream R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay, giving him two number-one records on two different Billboard charts in 2026.

LaRon Louis James Sr., better known by his stage name Juelz Santana, is an American rapper. A member of now-defunct hip-hop group the Diplomats, he is best known for his appearances on Cam'ron's 2002 singles "Oh Boy" and "Hey Ma", both of which peaked within the top five of the Billboard Hot 100. He later guest appeared on Chris Brown's 2005 single, "Run It!", which peaked atop the chart for five weeks and received triple platinum certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). As a lead artist, he is also known for his 2005 single "There It Go ", which peaked at number six on the chart and received platinum certification by the RIAA.

Kyle Alfonso Myricks, better known by his stage name Stalley, is an American rapper from Massillon, Ohio.

Moses Michael Levi Barrow, best known by his stage name Shyne, is a Belizean politician and former rapper. He served as Leader of the Opposition in the House of Representatives, and the leader of the Belize United Democratic Party.

Bernard James Freeman, known professionally as Bun B is an American rapper. He is best known as one half of the Southern rap duo UGK, which he formed in 1987 alongside Pimp C. Aside from his work with UGK, Bun B has released five solo albums, including 2010's Trill OG, which received the rare 5-mic rating from The Source.

Torence Ivy Hatch Jr., better known by his stage name Boosie BadAzz or simply Boosie, is an American rapper. Hatch began rapping in the 1990s as a member of the Southern hip hop collective Concentration Camp, eventually pursuing a solo career in 2000 with the release of his debut album Youngest of da Camp. After leaving the label the following year, he signed with Pimp C's Trill Entertainment to release his second studio album, For My Thugz (2002). One of the most prominent figures of Southern hip hop, Hatch has gone on to release thirteen solo studio albums, as well as seven collaborative albums and 44 mixtapes.