In case you missed it, last week T.I’s concert at Irving Plaza, New York, was tragically cut short after a then-unknown gunman opened fire backstage, killing one person and injuring three – with rapper Troy Ave since being arrested for the crime. Today, Joey Badass announced via his Twitter that his show taking place at Irving Plaza this Thursday night had been cancelled. In a now deleted tweet, the rapper initially blamed the NYPD. While this would not have come as a surprise to many, considering NYPD Commissioner William Bratton’s comments about rappers as “basically thugs” the day after the shooting, more details have since followed.

joey-badass-tweet-nypd-2016-billboard-650

While initially many believed the cancellation to be as a result of an ongoing investigation at the venue, it soon came to light that a show was happening the night before – Train’s tribute to Led Zeppelin II. While many news outlets jumped at the opportunity to have a dig at anyone trying to stereotype and target hip-hop, which is honestly understandable in the wake of Bratton’s ridiculous statements. However, the venue has now cleared up any confusion.

Speaking to Rolling Stone, a venue spokesperson said, “In light of last week’s tragic event, we are acting with an overabundance of caution and coordinating a going forward strategy with the New York Police Department that may also include a curfew. Because these discussions with New York Police Department are ongoing, we will be postponing a few of our upcoming shows.” 

These shows included Mac Miller and Vince Staples at Irving on Friday and Saturday respectively, and a Guns N’ Roses cover band and Canadian rock duo Black Pistol Fire at Gramercy (Live Nation’s other venue), also Friday and Saturday respectively. So, it seems that there isn’t any real stereotyping going on here. Though we don’t know the extent of these “discussions”, we’ll have to wait and see what further comments are made about hip hop by the NYPD to be sure.

Image: Craveonline

Following the tragic events at T.I.’s concert at the Irving Plaza, the NYPD Commissioner showed little sympathy for the artists involved, or for the hip-hop industry as a whole. The show was called off yesterday after an unknown gunman opened fire in the backstage area, resulting in one fatality and three injured people – including the rapper Troye Ave.

Commissioner William Bratton appeared on WCBS 880 radio on Thursday morning, during which he commented on the events of the previous evening. “The crazy world of these so-called rap artists who are basically thugs, that basically celebrate violence they did all their lives, and unfortunately that violence oftentimes manifests itself during their performances and that’s exactly what happened last evening,” he said. “The background of a lot of these young people, they are significant artists in that world … but unfortunately the lifestyles that they lived … oftentime follows them into the entertainment

As yet, the “so-called rap artists” have yet to respond to Bratton’s somewhat generalised comments. The Commissioner also held his position during the 90’s and was asked in the same interview to compare his previous stint to today. He responded that “this world has not reformed,” adding, “It’s unfortunate. You’d like to think that with all the wealth that comes from the fame, that they’ll be able to turn their lives around but they continue hanging out with the same people they hung out with when they came out of that world of desperation, poverty, and crime.”

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He went on to further thoughts on rap, and his views on what believes to be a lifestyle inherent in the genre; “There’s no denying that to a lot of people … they enjoy the music, [but] the music unfortunately often times celebrates violence, celebrates degradation of women, celebrates the drug culture and it’s unfortunate that as they get fame and fortune, some of them are not able to ‘get out of the life’.”

Currently it is unclear as to why the shooting took place, though it is reported that the gunman opened fire in the green room area at the Manhattan venue. The three injured parties are believed to be in stable conditions, the fatality has been named as Ronald McPhatter, longtime bodyguard of Troye Ave. In the same interview, Bratton said that “We feel to wrap it up very quickly. We have a pretty good idea of what happened.”

Whether his damning comments on rap were spurred his ideas of what did happen, we don’t know. But Bratton certainly seems to have no sympathy for the industry. Popular music has always been a scapegoat for antisocial actions, nearly every genre has come under fire for glamourising so-called unsavoury tendencies. From promiscuity, loose behaviour and substance abuse, right through to anti-religious or violent behaviour. Bratton’s views are hardly novel, but I don’t believe his role is to pass judgment on rap. Or to pretty much slander the artists in question without giving cause. Because surely this so-called officer of the law knows that defamation is a serious allegation?

Image: Rolling Stone

Rap and New York City were brought low yesterday as the T.I. concert at the Irving Plaza was interrupted by gunfire backstage. T.I. himself never made it to the stage as the shooting took place during the opening acts, Maino and Uncle Murda. One person lost their life and three people were injured, including rapper Troy Ave. The rest of the evening’s show was cancelled following the tragic shooting.

This unfortunate turn of events came just hours after T.I. had recorded a guest appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. The rapper joined an incredible performance from Anderson . Paak, who was also scheduled to appear at the Irving Plaza concert. Recorded during the day for The Tonight Show, .Paak performed the intro to Heart Don’t Stand A Chance, and the full version of Come Down. One of the standout tracks off his most recent album, Malibu. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-mlg-fFJZGA

Though undeniably marred by the later events that evening, .Paak delivered a blazing rendition of his track. Accompanied by his band, The Free Nationals, .Paak moved between frontman duties and some impressive time behind the drum kit. Taking over the beats as T.I. took the mic for a verse, both artists brought all of their energy to the performance.

This awful turn of events was particularly affecting after such a triumphant recording for Fallon. Anderson .Paak took to Twitter himself soon after to voice his frustration in a string of Tweets which have since been deleted.

Such a weird feeling man

— Andy PinDröP (@AndersonPaak) May 26, 2016

My dude TIP the free nats and I bodied Fallon but some asshole fucked up the whole night at Irving plaza

— Andy PinDröP (@AndersonPaak) May 26, 2016

TIP had a sold out show and sole asshole fucked everything up.

— Andy PinDröP (@AndersonPaak) May 26, 2016

(via. Pitchfork)

As yet, no arrests have been reported following the shooting at the Irving Plaza.

Image: Billboard

As its latest philanthropic effort, streaming service TIDAL has launched a new education initiative in collaboration with award winning rapper T.I. Known as TIDAL X MONEY TALK, the contest encourages participants to raise funds for educational purposes, and the most impactful proposal will see the money they raised matched by T.I and TIDAL.

The initiative is open to students and individuals tied to educational organisations, with a view to promote ideas and campaigns that encourage and benefit education. Now open to members of the public, the Crowd Rise destination is already filling up with fundraisers and various ideas of enable and support young people in education. From campaigns to educate participants about race issues, to youth arts festivals and further education on cancer and its effects, the entrants so far are varied.

The contest is open to participants who are 18 years and over, and once they have set up their fundraiser it is up to them to drive their campaign using the #TIDALXMONEYTALK hashtag on social media. Tip “T.I” Harris will select his five favourite causes from those set up via the Crowd Raise, and, as promised, he and TIDAL will match the amount raised by up to $250,000. The winner will be selected on June 22 this year, and entry is open between now and June 15 for fundraisers to get campaigning.

Since the site launched in 2015, TIDAL has also been involved in a number of other initiatives. Including Usher’s Break The Chain movement and college initiative, and Lil Wayne’s COLLEGROVE social contest for universities. They also held the TIDAL X 1020 concert, with performances from Jay-Z, Beyoncé, Usher and others, to help benefit social justice organisations.

T.I is one of the many artist shareholders in the streaming service, after he partnered with TIDAL earlier this year. However he recently revealed that he may not make like Kanye, and make his next album release, The Dime Trap, exclusive to TIDAL.

You can check out the TIDAL X MONEY TALK and set up your own fundraiser here.

Image: 360nobs

A slew of new hip-hop video clips have hit the net today, so to make it easy for you, we’ve gathered together the best for your viewing pleasure below. Enjoy!

YG & Lil Nipsey Hussle, FDT (Fuck Donald Trump)

YG and Nipsey Hussle let their thoughts known about Presidential hopeful Donald Trump with the video for FDT (Fuck Donald Trump). The filming of the protest video was shut down by police a few weeks back, but that hasn’t stopped the two from releasing what footage they could gather. The black and white clip – with flashes of patriotic red and blue – opens with a short message reminding people of the advances made by President Obama and how if the wrong candidate is elected in the current race to the Whitehouse, all Obama’s good work could be reversed.

This isn’t actually a bad track. While the refrain, “Fuck Donald Trump,” isn’t the most positive of slogans, I applaud YG and Nipsey Hussle for using their position to advocate their political beliefs

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WkZ5e94QnWk]

Trouble, Ready (Remix Ft. Big Bank Black, Young Thug & Young Dolph)

Released last month, Atlanta rapper Trouble delivers the film clip for the remix of hit cut Ready. Joined by Southern alumni Big Blank Black, Young Thug and Young Dolph, the four MC’s kick it in the street with their posses as 90s visual effects flash on screen.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iX34S53M4a0]

Bankroll Mafia, Out My Face

The latest in a long of hip-hop super groups, Bankroll Mafia is lead by the team of T.I. and Young Thug with able support from Shad Da God and Peewee Roscoe. While Roscoe is currently facing prison time following the shooting of Lil Wayne’s tour bus last year, the group look set to continue as a trio, as evident by new single Out My Face. Fellow Hustle Gang label mate London Jae joins the three on this trap banger, with the video showing the quartet hanging out in a warehouse with their crew while footage of money burning is intercut throughout.

Bankroll Mafia’s debut album is set to drop this Friday April 22.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vLQtqMQYO1w]

Curren$y, Grand Theft Auto

Ahead of the release of Curren$y’s 4/20 celebrating project, Bourbon Street Secrets, the New Orleans rapper has dropped the visuals for new tune Grand Theft Auto. Produced by frequent collaborator, Purps of 808 Mafia, Curren$y’s smooth rhymes float over the bouncy production as he stands around some fancy cars smoking spliffs. What a life.

Bourbon Street Secrets is released this Friday April 22.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fq8eidzw-ks]

Homeboy Sandman, Talking (Bleep)

Stones Throw Records’ Homeboy Sandman is less than three weeks away from dropping his new album Kindness For Weakness (May 6), and today sees the video release for recent single Talking (Bleep). It feels like a kind of parody take on the typical hip-hop gangster video, with boxing and martial arts, street shootings, running from men in black suits and so on.

Homeboy’s crystal clear storytelling lyrics slow down the video’s dramatic pace just enough to allow you to take in each scene. Remarkably surreal, mostly due to the small embellishments, like how some characters’ mouths are stretched wide, are creepy and eerie to say the least. The pace and lyrics work in an interesting way with the video, with the clear storyline essentially making the entire visual experience even more hyperreal and off-kilter.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xgsossmuDXA&feature=youtu.be

Remi, For Good (ft. Sampa The Great)

Undoubtedly the best Australian hip-hop track of the year so far, Remi‘s For Good, featuring Sampa The Great, now has its own visual accompaniment. This is the first single from Remi’s forthcoming album with Sensible J titled Divas and Demons, and if it’s anything to go by, we’re in for something truly special.

The video splices scenes of Sampa and Remi dancing and performing with theatrical scenes of a lone girl sitting at a restaurant table, having been stood up on a date – by the guy we soon see riding in a car with two girls and a bottle of wine. He’s having a great time, she’s feeling incredibly low. After a minute he eventually shows up, so late that he sees another guy chatting to her. Fed up when he begins to argue with the other guy, she leaves, obviously distraught.

It’s not exactly a feel good clip. Here’s Remi explaining the song’s straightforward inspiration: I was a scandalous prick, and I wanted to outline how it went down and how it effected everyone involved. The best way to do this was to have both the male and female perspective.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UrW7GNFwPsM

Written by Tobias Handke & Lauren Ziegler

Image: Billboard

Millionaire mayor Salim Mehajer caused a stir this week as he apparently paid $50,000 for rapper Tyga to come and perform at his wife’s 30th birthday party in Auburn, western Sydney.

The scene was set with the rapper turning up in a rented Rolls Royce and a security team by his side as he entered into the Auburn council deputy mayor’s mansion. The bizarre appearance, complete with pictures and videos of the two together, got us thinking about some of the other times people have chucked obscene amounts of money at rappers to come and perform at their private parties.

Kanye West and Jay-Z

Perhaps the greatest show of wealth ever, when it comes to private parties, was when heavyweight rappers Kanye West and Jay Z were paid US$3m each to perform at an Arab billionaire’s daughter’s party. The sweet 16 party saw the two rappers flown out just before Christmas five years ago to perform some exclusive sets. The rappers apparently did a number of shows for the packed party and even threw in some rare content to keep the crowds happy. What the girl, who is a member of the wealthy family that rules the United Arab Emirates, was given for her 21st Birthday party is anyone’s guess.

Drake

Just last month, Drake appeared at the famous Rainbow Room in New York. Only he wasn’t performing in front of an adoring crowd of fans: instead, he was there for an intimate Bat Mitzvah performance. The Canadian rapper ripped through a number of his hits including Hotline Bling at the restaurant, which had been privately booked for Gigi Ashkenazy. Drake’s going rate for private shows is around a staggering $500,000 but you can be sure that Gigi’s father, a commercial real estate developer worth $7 billion, was good for it. It’s not the first time the rapper has been spotted at a Bat Mitzvah, by the way: he was also on hand in 2011 at the Four Seasons to undercut Kanye West.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6pdGuPRRajk

Pitbull

US rapper Pitbull earned over $1 million when he appeared at a 15-year old girl’s private party in Texas recently. The singer, who was the headline act after Nick Jonas also stopped by, raked in the obscene amount for an hour long set. The birthday girl, Maya Henry, was clearly thrilled at his appearance as she posted numerous pictures of the two of them on her social media accounts. While her family also stated that she wore two $20,000 dresses during the special night for reasons that haven’t really been explained.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X-7F8CO-hfs

Snoop Dogg

Everybody’s favourite stoner rapper, Snoop Dogg also cashed in on a lucrative gig when he appeared at a Bat Mitzvah. It’s actually just better leaving what happened at said event down to the man himself though. “I performed at a bat mitzvah. And I’m telling you, man, these little motherfuckers, they were singing my shit, they was cussin’, they were singing the dirty version. I’m talking about 12 and 13-year old little white kids singing this real gangsta shit. Man, I was shocked. para kazanma siteleri. I just gave them the mic and let them motherfuckers go.”

50 Cent

The year was 2005 and 50 Cent was in his heyday and absolutely rolling in it. He had a mega-hit on his hands in In Da Club and he was just about to make some more serious money thanks to his investments in vitamin water. But that wasn’t enough, as he also netted himself a cool half a million when he performed a five song set at Elizabeth Brooks’ party. The highlight of the night? 50 actually changing the lyrics of his hit to, “Go shorty, it’s your bat mitzvah, we gonna party like it’s your bat mitzvah.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5qm8PH4xAss

Nicki Minaj

It doesn’t all go quite so smoothly when it comes to making lucrative appearances at private events. Rapper Nicki Minaj found this out the hard way when she was sued by a Las Vegas club for not fulfilling her contract. Chateau, a nightclub in Vegas, alleges she only performed for 34 minutes of what was supposed to be a full hour, and to make matters worse, she arrived late to the show and cost the club excessive revenue for VIP tables that it was counting on her providing. The club filed a lawsuit and claimed it wanted its cool quarter of a million back off the Pink Friday hit maker.

T.I

What do you do when you are about to be sentenced for illegal gun possession? Well, if you are rapper and actor T.I. you drop by the Townsend Hotel for an Adam Katzman party. The Atlanta native performed a 45 minute set, which was apparently raved over in the local high school newspaper. He then promptly left the party to go to jail for a year. What a guy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NPTL_plHSGQ

Notable mention: Lil Jon who stills somehow gets paid handsomely for shouting “shots” over and over again on stage in Las Vegas.

Image: Vlad TV

Music sure seems to be getting awfully political of late. With Kanye West running for president and President Obama even dedicating some airtime to give some humorous POTUS advice, the lines are certainly blurring between music and politics.

It all seemed like fun and games, until T.I. tossed his opinion into the ring. Discussing the presidency with DJ Whoo Kid, he stated that he couldn’t endorse Hilary Clinton as president – because she’s a woman.

“Not to be sexist but, I can’t vote for the leader of the free world to be a woman,” he said. “Just because, every other position that exists, I think a woman could do well.”

“But the president? It’s kinda like, I just know that women make rash decisions emotionally – they make very permanent, cemented decisions – and then later, it’s kind of like it didn’t happen, or they didn’t mean for it to happen.”

“And I sure would hate to just set off a nuke. [Other leaders] will not be able to negotiate the right kinds of foreign policy; the world ain’t ready yet. I think you might be able to the Loch Ness Monster elected before you could [get a woman].”

Some kudos must be given to T.I. for the sheer amount of derogatory stereotypes he managed to jam into such a short space of dialogue. Plus extra points for beginning with “not to be sexist, but…”.

It hardly comes as a surprise that he then endorsed the equally sexist Donald Trump for his dedication to the economy, but fell short of committing to voting for him due to his racist remarks.

“But you know, his racist remarks and all of his off-color statements and all that s**t it makes it impossible to be completely supportive of him. But just knowing what he’s done for business for himself, if he intends to do that for America, it would be beneficial. But I can’t cash no vote for him.”

Social media was quick to weigh in:

https://twitter.com/lilyallen/status/653973596600201217

T.I. later apologised for his remarks.

Poor form T.I.