JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — *This article has been updated to include a response from the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office.
Even though he’s from Jacksonville, rapper Yungeen Ace told a Texas DJ during a radio interview last year that he’s never performed there. Is it possible that the controversial entertainer is skipping the house party and dive bar circuit and going straight for the city’s biggest arena?
His name may not be on the ticket, but when Kodak Black and Lil Baby play at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena on Friday, it’s plausible that Yungeen Ace may appear.
He has songs with both rappers. And he just released a popular song with Kodak last month called “B.A.M.”
Kodak and Lil Baby are well aware of Ace’s meteoric rise during the last year. They also know they’re playing in his hometown.
The fact that he’s never performed here isn’t because he doesn’t want to. “I never did a show out there (Jacksonville). The police won’t let me,” he told Ashlee Young of 93.7 The Beat
“Any show anywhere in the surrounding area, Jacksonville police will shut it down,” he said.
Jacksonville Sheriff's Office denies the rapper's claim. "We have not told him he is not able to perform in our jurisdiction," said Officer Christian Hancock with JSO's public information office.
Ace said his movement in Jacksonville was so restricted, that he moved to Houston, Texas.
To say he's had his run-ins with the law would be an understatement. Ace even survived multiple shootings -- others he was with died, including his brother.
But can police prevent him from entertaining here?
"As it relates to a special event or a permitted event, this request is handled through the City of Jacksonville’s Special Events Office," Hancock said. "If and when approved by them, we would have the responsibility to vet and schedule police officers for security and/or traffic if their requirements dictated."
For whatever reason, Ace hasn't performed in his hometown. Is his close relationships with Kodak Black and Lil Baby about to propel him to a massive arena-style homecoming Friday?
