Rapper Rick Ross is a music industry heavyweight who has been known as much for his big hits as his imposing size. But he’s sporting a far slimmer physique these days.
In an interview with ABC News’ Sara Haines, the “Hustlin’” rapper who was born William Leonard Roberts II said he’d lost about 85 pounds in the past year through lifestyle changes and CrossFit workouts.
“I just feel like I was at the point in my life where, you know, so many other positive things were happening in my in my in my career, my life. And, you know, two years ago I suffered two seizures,” the 38-year-old said. “And, you know, I woke up from that. And I was like, ‘Wow.’”
He added: “I was just like, ‘I really need to, you know, re-evaluate what I’m doing.’”
The rapper had embraced his more rotund shape. He famously appeared on the cover of Rolling Stone showing off his large bare belly.
He told Haines he had to change.
“You know, I feel I’m fat boy forever. I’m going to always be a fat boy. But it most definitely was just something I had to do, you know, for the better, you know. And I always enjoy my size. I love taking my shirt off, running around, you know … it was really a health issue for me,” he said.
He made some drastic changes, cutting back on his drinking, sleeping more and watching what he ate.
“Sodas was the first thing I cut out. Most definitely. That was, majority of my sugar. The way I ate, you know, fast-food,” he said.
Now, on a typical day, he’ll have three eggs with turkey bacon for breakfast, then he’ll do a workout.
“That’s RossFit, you know. I put a twist on that CrossFit,” he said, laughing.
Ross said he gets in three to four CrossFit workouts per week, and admits that some people have questioned the change, which can go against the stereotype of rappers always living the high life.
To those detractors, Ross has an answer.
“I say, ‘Baby, you already know … I still got it. Ain’t nothing went nowhere. You just better with it, you know what I mean? And you know, everything really been going well,” he said.
Ross is forging full-steam ahead musically, churning out album after album. His latest is “Hood Billionaire,” his second in seven months.
He said it’s a result of his passion for music.
When Haines asked him whether the weight loss affected his music or his life, he replied:
“Not at all, you know. My music just comes … from the heart,” adding that he drew inspiration from all aspects of life, including the interview with Haines.
He jokingly told Haines he might rap about her.
“I may actually put your name, you never know, in a verse,” he said. “But, you know, every day I wake up, there’s something new for me to feed on, or I see something new that’s going’ on around me that I could make not just a punch line, but an actual topic for an incredible record.”`
