American rapper Rick Ross signals intent to run for mayor of Fayetteville, Georgia

Rapper Rick Ross is a popular resident in Fayetteville, Georgia, as he owns a sprawling 235-acre mansion in the city. Since purchasing the large property in 2014 for $5.8 million from retired legendary boxer, Evander Holyfield, the mansion has served as the Port of Miami rapper’s place of abode while he also uses it for commercial purposes.

One such commercial endeavor is an annual car and bike show and concert that he launched last year. The 47-year-old rapper earlier announced the second edition of the Rick Ross Car and Bike Show was slated for June 3.

However it appeared the event had hit a snag after the Fayette County Planning and Zoning Commission reportedly declined to approve a permit for the event because it was “not in compliance with Fayette County Zoning Ordinance”, FOX 5 reported. The rapper’s neighbors had also raised issues with the event because of traffic issues.

Following the supposed setback, the Aston Martin Music rapper took to Instagram on May 17 to reiterate the show was going to be held on the said date, per XXL, and also signaled his intention to run for mayor.

“I love Fayetteville so much. Next year I’m running for mayor,” the 47-year-old said. “That’s right. The boss Rick Ross running for mayor of Fayetteville. I wanna know how many votes did it actually take to vote in the mayor of Fayetteville.”

He added: “I need to know that ‘cause we gon’ become that. We gon’ make that happen, and we gonna have a good time. We gon’ give some people opportunities, we gon’ give some people raises and, of course, we gon’ have to clean some people out.”

Responding to the reports of the permit denial, Rick Ross’ lawyers stated that the previous issues that caused the denial had been handled by the rapper’s team, adding that the event will be held as planned. On Monday, the rapper also shared an Instagram post suggesting officials had given the green light for the show to go ahead.

Meanwhile, the South Fulton Police Department released a statement saying they are “especially concerned about the potential impact” residents in the city could experience because of the show, FOX 5 reported. Thousands of people are expected to attend the upcoming event.

“However, rest assured, we will make every attempt to mitigate the impact on our local community. Our number one priority is the safety and well-being of South Fulton residents and businesses. We have formulated a strategic plan to manage the situation effectively,” the statement added.

Linda Pritchett, who is a councilmember, said the show at the rapper’s “Promise Land” mansion was a “logistical nightmare.” “Anyone who wants to attend the event has to come through the city of South Fulton to get there,” said Pritchett. “For 12-plus hours you will have a constant flow of traffic, a saturated, constant flow of people,” she added. “Cars parked illegally and parked in shopping centers where patrons cannot park.”

Though the councilmember said she wants the show to go ahead as planned, she entreated the rapper to urge attendees not to park on the side of the road or the parking areas of businesses that are around.