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(TMZ) - Rick Ross is fighting fire with firepower, because the rap mogul just hired 24-hour ARMED personal security to watch his back in the wake of Monday's drive-by shooting, TMZ has learned. 

Rozay was already using armed bodyguards for protection at major events like concerts and public appearances, but now he's decided he wants a full-time security detail, TMZ reports.

Ross was targeted in a drive-by shooting in Florida early Monday morning, when a car pulled up next to his Rolls-Royce and opened fire. Ross lost control of the vehicle during the incident and crashed into an apartment building. 

TMZ reports that the rapper had been getting threats for a while but he wasn't too concerned. But according to TMZ, Ross considers the shooting to be an "eye-opener" and will do whatever it takes to keep himself safe.

READ MORE: TMZ 

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