Pop Smoke Opens Up About NYPD Removing Him From Rolling Loud New York

Pop Smoke was among a handful of NY artists banned from performing at Rolling Loud.

BYAron A.
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Rolling Loud set up shop in New York this year but unfortunately, some rappers from NYC weren't able to hit the stage. New York Police Department sent a letter to Rolling Loud requesting that they remove Casanova, Pop Smoke, Sheff G, 22Gz, and Don Q from the festival. They said that the individuals named "have been affiliated with acts of violence citywide. The New York Police Department believes if these individuals are allowed to perform, there will be a higher risk of violence.” Ultimately, Rolling Loud agreed.

Pop Smoke has finally opened up the matter in a recent interview with Justin Credible at Power 106. The rapper revealed that the police might look at him as a "super bad guy" but he did admit that he's optimistic about next year. When asked if he's heard anything about the incident, he swiftly remarks, "I don't know police." He continued to explain that he's down to speak to the New York Police Department about the matter and come to some sort of solution about it. Of course, artists make their money off of shows so this instance is ultimately hurting his pockets.

"We come from places where it's like, it ain't the sweetest," he said. "When you stop us from doing shows like that, you hurt us, you know what I'm sayin'? Like, you trying to keep us there."

Peep the interview there. 


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About The Author
Aron A. is a features editor for HotNewHipHop. Beginning his tenure at HotNewHipHop in July 2017, he has comprehensively documented the biggest stories in the culture over the past few years. Throughout his time, Aron’s helped introduce a number of buzzing up-and-coming artists to our audience, identifying regional trends and highlighting hip-hop from across the globe. As a Canadian-based music journalist, he has also made a concerted effort to put spotlights on artists hailing from North of the border as part of Rise & Grind, the weekly interview series that he created and launched in 2021. Aron also broke a number of stories through his extensive interviews with beloved figures in the culture. These include industry vets (Quality Control co-founder Kevin "Coach K" Lee, Wayno Clark), definitive producers (DJ Paul, Hit-Boy, Zaytoven), cultural disruptors (Soulja Boy), lyrical heavyweights (Pusha T, Styles P, Danny Brown), cultural pioneers (Dapper Dan, Big Daddy Kane), and the next generation of stars (Lil Durk, Latto, Fivio Foreign, Denzel Curry). Aron also penned cover stories with the likes of Rick Ross, Central Cee, Moneybagg Yo, Vince Staples, and Bobby Shmurda.