TMZ reports that Ross had already been using armed bodyguards for protection at major events like concerts and public appearances but had now decided to use a full-time security detail.

Ross was targeted in a drive-by shooting in Florida early Monday morning where 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.

Sources close to Ross tell TMZ ... the rapper had been getting threats for a while ... but he wasn't too concerned.