Rapper Rick Ross remains a partner in a Miami Gardens development despite his arrest Thursday on domestic violence charges, The Real Deal has learned.
In July, Ross joined the development team of EnSima, an eight-story residential project planned for an undisclosed site near Hard Rock Stadium and Miami International Autodrome. The project, announced in March, will include 670 units and 165,000 square feet of retail space, The Real Deal previously reported.
Ross, known for singles “Hustlin’,” “B.M.F (Blowin’ Money Fast)” and “Speedin,” is partnering with EnSima Miami I, led by Shalom Arik Maimon, Ali Yesil, David Shapiro and Lior Suchard. Italian firm Pininfarina is heading the design team, while TerraForm Development was tapped to lead construction.
Joseph Pardo of Miami Beach-based Pardo Law PLLC, who is representing EnSima’s development team, said he had no comment on Ross’ personal life.
“The EnSima development projects and its ownership remain unchanged and in excellent condition,” Pardo said.
Ross, whose legal name is William Leonard Roberts, turned himself in Thursday after his ex-girlfriend accused him of attacking her on Aug. 28 at his waterfront Star Island home, which he bought for $37.5 million in 2023. The accuser, identified as JK in charging documents, claims Ross struck her several times and choked her by twisting the collar of her hooded sweatshirt, the New York Times reported.
Ross allegedly slammed her against the wall, hit her in the face and tried to spray her with water from a shower head, the outlet said. She ultimately managed to escape, according to documents. She had been living with Ross for about a year.
Ross faces charges of felony battery by strangulation and misdemeanor battery, according to police. His attorney submitted a not guilty plea on his behalf, and Ross was released on $5,000 bail. An arraignment hearing is scheduled for Oct. 22.
Ross, 50, was raised in Miami Gardens’ Carol City. He has four BET Awards, nine Grammy Award nominations and his own music label, Maybach Music Group. He also owned and operated nearly 30 Wingstop franchises as of 2022 and holds equity in Luc Belaire sparkling wine and Bumbu rum.
His real estate holdings span Georgia, Texas and Florida.
In 2015, Ross was charged with kidnapping, aggravated battery and aggravated assault after two groundkeepers at his Georgia estate accused him and a bodyguard of holding them against their will and beating one with a pistol. Ross and the bodyguard, Nadrian James, reached a plea deal in 2017 and were sentenced to five years probation.
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