'As Nasty As I Wanna Be': Bad Boy Rapper Luther Campbell Eyes Florida Congressional Seat
The Bulwark
MIAMI RAP LEGEND LUTHER CAMPBELL is strongly considering a congressional bid, promising a raw and unfiltered celebrity-based campaign with a reality show twist: It is to be filmed as a documentary.
Campbell, 63, gained national fame as the frontman for 2 Live Crew, whose groundbreaking 1989 album As Nasty as They Wanna Be was the first in history to be declared legally obscene by a federal court. That ruling was overturned in a precedent-setting case allowing musicians to make explicit songs without fear of jail to this day.
Since then, Campbell has shapeshifted constantly: owner of the first Black-owned Southern rap label; VH1 show host; documentary film subject and producer; Grand Theft Auto video game character; local philanthropist; columnist; political activist; and youth and high school football coach. He has developed kids into NFL talent, like Chad Ochocinco, and discovered world-famous rappers, like Miamis Pitbull.
Campbell tells The Bulwark he hopes some of those players, musicians, and celebrities will help finance his campaign if he decides to run for Floridas 20th Congressional District in a primary bid against incumbent Democratic Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick.