Despite law enforcement officers and politicians like Mayor Eric Adams questioning their ties to local gun violence, there has been a growing interest in the booming New York drill scene that has gained popularity in recent years. At least three rappers have been removed from the lineup.At the request of the New York City Police Department, Rolling Loud, the upcoming Traveling Rap Festival at Citi Field in Queens this weekend, has been announced by artist representatives. It was
Rappers included 19-year-old Sha Ek from the Bronx. 22Gz, an influential figure in the Brooklyn drill movement. Ron Suno is a musician and comedian from the Bronx.
Rolling Loud is set to run Friday through Sunday, and New York Police did not respond to multiple requests for comment on the removal of the rapper this week. Five artists, including 22Gz and Pop Smoke, canceled their performances.
The rappers were “involved in recent city-wide violence,” according to a letter sent to festival organizers by the deputy police chief at the time. “The New York City Police Department believes these individuals are at increased risk of violence if allowed to perform.”
Rolling Loud founder Tariq Sheriff then said If they wanted to return to New York, the festival had no choice but to comply.Representatives for Sha Ek and 22Gz said this week that artists were paid in full for their performances.
But on Thursday, Sha-Ek manager Stanley Davis, known as Noodles, said in a statement that none of his clients had been charged with a crime that could justify his ban. I try to associate what I do with violence and negativity,” he wrote. “They have no respect for him as an artist and entertainer trying to improve himself and support his family at 19.”
Davis said, “Shaek has performed all over the Northeast this year. His concert crowds are filled with children dancing and having fun. He continues to grow his touring business and proves that the police are wrong.” I’m excited to prove it.”
Ron Suno’s manager, Diamond Brown, said in a text message: all his efforts? ”
Suno was involved in a brawl at last year’s edition of Rolling Loud in New York, but he downplayed the incident. subsequent interview When on social mediaNo charges were filed.
A spokesperson for Atlantic Records, 22Gz’s record label, confirmed his dismissal but declined to comment further. 22Gz is currently out on bail Indicted for attempted murder in June For his role in the Brooklyn club shooting in which three people were injured.
Beginning as a neighborhood hip-hop sound in Chicago about a decade ago, Drill has since traveled to London, New York, Stockholm and beyond, becoming a dominant mode in rap music. But the proudly hyperlocal artist, who often responds to and chronicles gun violence, gang conflict, and extreme poverty in his hometown, is a community leader who claims his music incites further violence. and face intense scrutiny from law enforcement officials. .
In the UK, drill artists stating their own lyrics and their very existence are considered a crime, resulting in constant scrutiny. One of her drill pioneers and star of Chicago breakout her Chief Her Keef is also forbidden to perform in, or even near, her native city. Police once closed a concert held in Indiana, with Keef appearing only via hologram from California.
New York Mayor Adams questions whether social networks should ban drill music from their platforms. “The problem is violent people using drill rap to post who they’ve killed and go against the people they’re trying to kill,” he said. told reporters Earlier this year.
The mayor then met with New York’s coalition of rappers to discuss training and potential ways to reduce gun violence in the city. B-Lovee will be performing at Rolling Loud this weekend.
Since its Miami debut in 2015, Rolling Loud has grown into rap’s defining and most influential music festival. arrest When occasional violenceNew York headliners this weekend include Nicki Minaj, Future, A$AP Rocky and Playboi Carti.