Rapper Rick Ross announces engagement

Rick Ross and Lira Galore attend Simong Gidewon's Birthday Celebration at Gold Room on March 19, 2015 in Atlanta, Georgia. Photo / Getty Images

Rick Ross is engaged.

The 39-year-old rapper and founder of Maybach Music Group proposed to girlfriend Lira Mercer, who promptly posted pictures of her huge diamond engagement ring on Snapchat with the captions "YES" and "When it's real, you just know."

Their friend Amber Rose was quick to congratulate the pair, writing on Instagram: "Congrats to my girl @lira_galore and @richforever. Love is a beautiful thing."

Lira Mercer promptly posted pictures of her huge diamond engagement ring on Snapchat with the captions "YES" and "When it's real, you just know." Photo / Lira Mercer Snapchat

Lira - who is believed to be 21 and uses the name Lira Galore on social media - was previously linked to Drake, Justin Bieber and Diddy.

Three years ago she tweeted: "Ima Marry Rick Ross. My fat boy lol (sic)."

However, Rick - whose real name is William Leonard Roberts II - and Lira only started dating this year with the couple first linked in March after he split from Ming Lee.

Meanwhile, earlier this year, Rick's bitter rival 50 Cent was ordered to pay $5 million in damages to Rick's ex Lastonia Leviston after he posted a sex tape of her and a former boyfriend online in order to humiliate the rapper.

Rick has a daughter with Lastonia.

- BANG! Showbiz