A luxury Maybach SUV, once a symbol of success for Atlanta rapper YFN Lucci, now stands as a heartfelt tribute to a friend lost to tragedy. The vehicle, which was the scene of a fatal shooting in 2020, has been transformed into a public memorial for James “Baby” Adams, who died in the incident. This bold move by Lucci blends celebration with sorrow, turning a painful moment into a lasting monument.
In December 2020, Lucci was given the Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS as a present by Think It’s A Game Records CEO Girvan “Fly” Henry in celebration of the release of his album Wish Me Well 3. Worth $200,000, the SUV came equipped with features such as a wine fridge and reclining seats, symbolizing Lucci’s ascension in the hip-hop world. Days later, though, on December 10, 2020, the car was the location of a horrific shooting linked to a gang in the city of Atlanta. James Adams, a close friend of Lucci, was killed in the gunfire, forever tying the Maybach to both triumph and loss.
The shooting led to serious legal consequences for Lucci. He was charged as the driver in the crime and surrendered on January 14, 2021, on charges such as felony murder. He pleaded guilty in January 2024 for violating the Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act in the state of Georgia and was given a 10-year prison term plus 10 years of probation.
Now, Lucci has decided to commemorate Adams by transforming the Maybach into a public memorial. What was once a gaudy status symbol, the car now symbolizes resilience and remembrance. Lucci’s move has set tongues a-wagging, with some applauding the tribute as a poignant gesture and others questioning the ramifications for the hip-hop world. He teased the Maybach’s meaning in his songs. He used the line “Riding in this Maybach cost me three lawyers” in his next album, equating his court strife with the car’s history.
Lucci’s recent single, “Jan. 31st (My Truth),” released on May 23, 2025, reflects on his time in prison and personal growth. While the song doesn’t directly mention the Maybach, it sets the stage for his next project, where the vehicle’s transformation is expected to take center stage. By turning a crime scene into a memorial, Lucci is not only honoring his fallen friend but also reclaiming a painful chapter of his life.
