Rakim, KRS-One, Slick Rick Concert Canceled Because Of Anti-Vaxxer Backlash: Report

The promoter plans on rescheduling and reportedly noted that the "majority of concertgoers in that Hip Hop demographic are not vaccinated."

BYErika Marie
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An old-school Hip Hop meeting of the minds was interrupted recently due to backlash. Millions of fans worldwide recently tuned into Verzuz to watch Big Daddy Kane and KRS-One relive some major moments in Hip Hop as they performed classic jams. The energy was set to be slightly duplicated at a concert involving KRS-One and Rakim, but it seems that anti-vaccine advocates have thwarted the live show.

According to Vibe, Rakim, KRS, and Slick Rick were set to perform at Detroit's Masonic Temple venue on November 7 but it was announced today (October 28) that the concert had been canceled.

It was back in mid-August when the Masonic Temple shared that it would adhere to COVID-19 mandates set in place by AEG and LiveNation, including patrons showing that they had been fully vaccinated or tested negative for COVID with the last 72 hours. There has been a massive divide in the U.S. about protocols and mandates, and the Masonic Temple has apparently been feeling the wrath of anti-vaxxers.

“We have received hundreds of texts, voicemails, and comments on social media about the Masonic Temple’s vaccination mandate," 2D Productions & Entertainment promoter Derrick Kearney reportedly said. "We have also found that the majority of concertgoers in that hip-hop demographic are not vaccinated. So the vaccination mandate with the Masonic Temple is the reason [for the event’s cancellation.]”

The show will reportedly still go on, just at a different venue with a new date. Do you agree that the majority of Hip Hop fans remain unvaccinated?

[via]


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About The Author
Erika Marie is a seasoned journalist, editor, and ghostwriter who works predominantly in the fields of music, spirituality, mental health advocacy, and social activism. The Los Angeles editor, storyteller, and activist has been involved in the behind-the-scenes workings of the entertainment industry for nearly two decades. E.M. attempts to write stories that are compelling while remaining informative and respectful. She's an advocate of lyrical witticism & the power of the pen. Favorites: Motown, New Jack Swing, '90s R&B, Hip Hop, Indie Rock, & Punk; Funk, Soul, Harlem Renaissance Jazz greats, and artists who innovate, not simply replicate.