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Rolling Loud has removed at least three local drill rappers from its New York festival at the behest of the NYPD.
A report from The New York Times revealed the lineup change just a few days before Rolling Loud this weekend at Citi Field in Queens. The rappers who were removed from the lineup include Sha Ek, 22Gz, and Run Suno. These rappers’ representatives confirmed they were removed at the request of the New York City Police Department.
When asked for comment, neither the NYPD nor Rolling Loud festival organizers offered one. This isn’t the first time 22Gz has been removed from the Rolling Loud lineup. The drill rapper was also removed from 2019 along with Pop Smoke and three other artists.
The New York Times reports that a letter sent by the assistant chief at the NYPD called the rappers “affiliated with recent acts of violence city-wide. The NYPD believes if these individuals are allowed to perform, there will be a higher risk of violence,” the letter reads.
Tariq Cherif, Founder of Rolling Loud, said organizers had no choice but to comply with the wishes of local authorities. “All the public sees is the letter. Way more happened behind closed doors. If we want Rolling Loud to return to NYC, we have no choice but to comply,” Cherif wrote on Twitter to fans upset about the cancellations.
Managers for the canceled rappers say their clients haven’t been charged with any crimes. Stanley Davis, manager for Sha Ek, told the Times, “The police try to associate what he’s doing with violence and negativity. They don’t respect that he’s an artist and entertainer trying to better himself and feed his family at 19 years old. Sha Ek has performed all over the Northeast this year. The crowds at his concerts are full of kids dancing and having fun.”
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