SMH: Talib Kweli Cancels Kansas City Show After Venue Books Nazi Band & Refuses To Budge

February 21, 2018

(Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for Ozy Fusion Fest 2017)

Riot Room Refuses To Pull Racist Band Ahead Of Talib Show And He Cancels

Talib Kweli has put his foot down to the owner of The Riot Room in Kansas City, who kept a rumored White Nationalist, anti-black, anti-muslim band called Taake ahead of him after he showed proof of their KKK-connection. Talib says F-it, I’m not performing after the venue refused to pull the band based on their political view.

“I find it appalling that the Riot Room refuses to apologize for booking this band,” Kweli said in a statement. “I wouldn’t feel safe bringing my team, family, and fans into a venue that is sympathetic to white nationalism, so I’ve cancelled the show.”

Taake frontman Hoest once performed with a swastika drawn on his chest, and lyrics to some of their songs have been seen as anti-Muslim according to Pitchfork.

I saw an email from @riotroom that said they didn't want to choose sides between me and Nazis. I'll choose for them. pic.twitter.com/uMYTZuMqz5

— Talib Kweli Greene (@TalibKweli) February 20, 2018

So ask the @riotroom why they chose anti Muslim, white nationalist band over me. You're way too excusing of hate. Pathetic. @massagingmandi https://t.co/MAtVnrU1Mm

— Talib Kweli Greene (@TalibKweli) February 21, 2018

Hey y'all riot room protects white women from creeps so they can't possibly support racism! My bad yall! @massagingmandi https://t.co/DkJ2tgNOaw

— Talib Kweli Greene (@TalibKweli) February 21, 2018

To make it worse, Taake’s upcoming New York and Chicago shows were reportedly canceled by their respective venues due to concerns about the band’s politics. Yesterday, opening act King Dude dropped out of the tour. Womp womp.

Welp! Stand for nothing or fall for anything we supposed. Good for Talib.