Who Is Freeway Ricky Ross? Age, Biography and Wiki
Freeway Ricky Ross was born on January 26, 1960, making him 65 years old as of 2025. Known as one of the prominent figures in the 1980s crack cocaine epidemic in Los Angeles, Ricky Ross’s life has been marked by both triumphs and tribulations. After being imprisoned for drug trafficking, he turned his life around and became a motivational speaker and entrepreneur, sharing his life lessons and experiences to help others avoid similar pitfalls.
| Occupation | Criminals |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | January 26, 1960 |
| Age | 65 Years |
| Birth Place | Terrell, Texas, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Aquarius |
| Country | U.S |
Popularity
Freeway Ricky Ross's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
In 2025, Freeway Ricky Ross stands tall at approximately 5 feet 11 inches (180 cm). While the specifics of his weight are not publicly available, it is noted that he maintains a healthy physique through regular exercise and a balanced diet – a focus that started during his journey of self-reformation.
The nickname Freeway came from Ross owning properties along Los Angeles' Interstate 110, also known as the Harbor Freeway.
According to an October 2013 Esquire magazine article, "Between 1982 and 1989, federal prosecutors estimated, Ross bought and resold several metric tons of cocaine," with Ross' gross revenue claimed to be more than $900 million (equivalent to $2.7 billion in ) and profits of almost $300 million ($ billion in ).
During the height of his drug dealing, Ross was said to have sold "$3 million in one day." According to the Oakland Tribune, "In the course of his rise, prosecutors estimate that Ross exported several tons of cocaine to New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and elsewhere, and made more than $500 million between 1983 and 1984."
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Ricky Ross is known to keep his personal life relatively private; however, as of 2025, he has been linked to various relationships over the years. There has been speculation regarding his current girlfriend, although he hasn't publicly confirmed a long-term partner. In previous interviews, Ross has expressed his commitment to family and the importance of being a positive role model for his children.
Ross initially invested most of his profits in houses and businesses, because he feared his mother would catch on to what he was doing if he started spending lavishly on himself. In a jailhouse interview with reporter Gary Webb, Ross said, "We were hiding our money from our mothers." He invested a portion of the proceeds from his drug dealing activities in Anita Baker's first album.
Net Worth and Salary
Freeway Ricky Ross’s net worth in 2025 is estimated to be around $1 million to $2 million. After serving time in prison, he successfully established a speaking career and has invested in various business ventures. His past as a drug trafficker provided him with an understanding of entrepreneurship, which he now applies to legal businesses.
Federal prosecutors estimated that between 1982 and 1989 Ross bought and resold several metric tons of cocaine. In 1980 dollars, his gross earnings were said to be in excess of $900 million – with a profit of nearly $300 million. As his distribution empire grew to include forty-two cities, the price he paid per kilo of powder cocaine dropped from as much as $60,000 to as low as $10,000."
Career, Business and Investments
Ross's career trajectory took a dramatic turn since his incarceration. After his release, he wrote a book titled "Freeway Rick Ross: The Untold Autobiography," which shed light on his life and the drug trade. He has also created a documentary explaining his experiences and the systemic issues surrounding drug trafficking in America.
Beyond writing and speaking engagements, Ricky has invested in several business ventures, including a clothing line and partnerships in the health and wellness sectors. His entrepreneurial spirit has kept him engaged in the community, as he aims to promote positive change.
The teacher referred Ross to his supplier, Ivan Arguellas, who offered to keep Ross supplied. Arguellas was able to provide larger quantities at a better price, and Ross quickly went from dealing in grams of cocaine to dealing in ounces.
About eight months after becoming Ross's supplier, Arguellas was shot in the spine, resulting in months of hospitalization that forced him out of the cocaine business. His brother-in-law Henry Corrales took over the business, but was not enthusiastic about the trade and had failed to make any connections of his own to suppliers.
Social Network
Freeway Ricky Ross is actively engaged on social media platforms. He utilizes his presence to connect with fans, share motivational content, and promote his speaking engagements. His official social media profiles include:
- Instagram: Freeway Ricky Ross
- Twitter: @FreewayRick
Ross was a key figure in filmmaker Kevin Booth's documentary American Drug War: The Last White Hope. The second episode of the first season of BET's American Gangster documentary series was focused on the story of Ricky Ross and his connection to the Iran–Contra scandal.
Education
Ricky Ross's formal education was limited, as he dropped out of school in the ninth grade. However, he has been an avid learner throughout his life, gaining knowledge from his experiences as a drug trafficker and during his time in prison. He emphasizes the importance of education in his speaking engagements, encouraging young people to pursue knowledge as a means of empowerment.
Ross attended school at Susan Miller Dorsey High School in Los Angeles. He played for the tennis team but was unable to get the college tennis scholarship he aspired to because he was illiterate.
