Rick Ross is determined to achieve lasting wealth as “Rich Forever” and has taken a unique approach to avoid shelling out a hefty $1 million (£708,000) for a landscaper – he mows his own vast lawn.
The renowned rapper, known for hits like “Aston Martin Music,” is the proud owner of an expansive mansion in Georgia, formerly owned by boxer Evander Holyfield. Acquired in 2014 for a substantial $5.8 million (£4.1 million), the property boasts an impressive 109 rooms and the largest swimming pool in the US, holding a whopping 350,000 gallons of water
Despite the sprawling 235 acres of land surrounding his mansion, the 47-year-old hip-hop mogul takes personal pride in maintaining his own lawn. Ross, however, isn’t out there with gardening scissors braving the Georgia heat – he employs a custom-made tractor equipped with tinted windows, air conditioning, and a radio.
In an interview with Forbes, the rapper shared the motivation behind his hands-on approach, stating, “When I bought the Fayetteville estate, locals would see me walk out of a restaurant and scream, ‘You know Holyfield spent $1m a year to cut the grass.’ So I decided that I was gonna cut my own grass. And that’s what I did.”
Ross went on to recount the tractor-buying experience, explaining, “I went down to John Deere and asked to see the biggest, most efficient tractor. I told them I had 200-plus acres that I wanted to keep cut, and they pointed out the right tractor. I bought it right then and there. I bought the extended attachment on the back that would cut even wider. Once I got it back home, I filled it up with gas.”
Despite some initial challenges in getting everything working, Ross found solace and a sense of peace in his newfound hobby. Beyond being a mere necessity, landscaping has become a meaningful activity for the rapper. He expressed, “I may have sat in the same spot for two hours before I got everything working, but once I got it going, I didn’t stop. I cut grass for about five hours.”
For Ross, taking up his own landscaping has evolved beyond a hobby, providing a deeper connection with his estate and the animals on the grounds, including horses. Sitting in the tractor with a rolled-up cannabis joint, he reflects on his struggles and triumphs, finding joy in the smallest things. Ross encourages others to experience the “peaceful sensation” by cutting their own grass, emphasizing the positive impact it has had on his life.