Watch CBS News

Luther Campbell Backs Away From Political Career?

MIAMI (CBS4) – Maybe Luther Campbell doesn't want to run for political office in South Florida after all. The former front man for the controversial rap group "2 Live Crew" was scheduled to hold a news conference Tuesday afternoon regarding his political future in Miami-Dade County.

Campbell, who is a "Miami News Times" columnist, recently wrote in his column, "If Carlos Alvarez gets recalled, I will seriously think about running for Miami-Dade County mayor. And should I win, I would make every day I am in office a reality show. Every day, Miami-Dade residents will have transparency in the mayor's office."

However, the Tuesday afternoon news conference was cancelled.

It's still not known whether he'll throw his hat into the ring at a future time.

The controversial rap star wrote in his column, "On the campaign trail, people are going to learn about the more mature Luther Campbell, the grown man who is working for the kids in the inner city." He also wrote, "I've been a successful businessman in this community for years. I was born and raised in Miami-Dade. No one can question the love I have for my home county."

Campbell's history in South Florida runs deep. Two decades ago, Broward authorities tried to ban his album "As Nasty As They Wanna Be," on state obscenity charges. A jury acquitted Campbell of the charges in Broward Circuit Court.

The former rapper says now, "If I decide I will get into politics, I have no problem addressing the many controversies that have been a part of my life. I will have no problem answering questions about the negative side of my life. I look forward to my opponents digging up every wrong thing I have done."

The recall election for current mayor Carlos Alvarez is set for March 15th.

If Alvarez is recalled and if Campbell decides to run, he'll face some stiff competition. Others who have also said they're running for mayor include two-term Miami-Dade County Commissioner Carlos Gimenez, Hialeah Mayor Julio Robaina and former state legislator Marcelo Llorente.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.