Clarksdale native, hip-hop star, and bestselling author Rick Ross will return to his home state for the 2026 Mississippi Book Festival.
“Born in Clarksdale, Ross is returning to his roots to share his new book, ‘Renaissance of a Boss: Notes from a Creative Reawakening.’ We all know him from his massive presence in music and business, but this book shows a different side,” a Tuesday announcement from the Mississippi Book Festival reads. “It’s a raw, powerful look at what it takes to reinvent yourself, stay creative, and build a legacy that actually lasts.”
Ross is a nine-time Grammy nominee and has won several BET Hip Hop Awards with solo hits like “Hustlin” and “B.M.F. (Blowin’ Money Fast).” A defining “luxury rap” artist, he has collaborated with other chart-toppers such as Jay-Z, Drake, Kanye West, Nicki Minaj, and Lil Wayne.
Recently, he returned to the page with the release of his latest book, “Renaissance of a Boss: Notes from a Creative Reawakening,” which became available earlier this month and quickly reached New York Times bestseller status.
The memoir chronicles a creative rut Ross experienced as he approached his 50s after more than two decades not only as one of hip-hop’s most recognizable figures, but also as the founder of Maybach Music Group. In the book, Ross details how he regained his creative momentum through a series of life-changing experiences.
“After several false starts – including a failed attempt at climbing Mount Kilimanjaro – Ross hits the open road in search of answers to life’s big questions,” the book’s official synopsis reads. “The epic journey takes Ross to Elvis Presley’s Graceland estate in Memphis, Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, and ultimately a Native American sweat lodge ceremony in Santa Fe.”
Ross also shares previously untold stories from collaboration with artists and entertainers including Dr. Dre, Bruno Mars, and Bill Murray.
It is his third book, following “Hurricanes: A Memoir” (2019) and “The Perfect Day to Boss Up: A Hustler’s Guide to Building Your Empire” (2021).
Ross will discuss his latest release, and possibly reflect on previous works, when he takes the stage at the Mississippi Book Festival in downtown Jackson on Saturday, Sept. 26. The festival is free, but as with previous headliners, arriving early to his time slot is recommended if you want to get a seat.
