Gang fear cancels show

Broadway Center cancels E-40 show on the advice of police.
by Paul Schrag
Mar 13, 2008

Hip-hop took a blow this week as Broadway Center for the Performing Arts administrators announced they were pulling the plug on a Rottweiler Records CD release party Friday that would have included headliner and hyphy pioneer E-40. BCPA officials report the show was cancelled after Tacoma police supplied them with pictures, gleaned from artists’ MySpace pages, of Rottweiler artists in the company of people TPD officers fingered as local gang members.

BCPA officials were shocked when the information was presented at a closed meeting last Friday, says BCPA Executive Director David Fischer. He emphasizes that neither he nor others in charge of the Broadway Center are opposed to hosting hip-hop shows. But the City-owned venue has to balance an aggressive effort to make the venue accessible to a more diverse audience with its commitment to public safety. It’s not about an assumed link between hip-hop and violence, he says. It’s about being surprised by images that strongly suggest some of the people performing have a penchant for guns and crime, or would draw people who do.

Fischer also emphasizes that BCPA investigations of E-40’s performance history turned up nothing of concern.

Rottweiler had only mentioned E-40 when they pitched the show, Fischer says. He would have received the offer differently had he known more about the proposed openers, and their apparent affiliations.

“I went into that meeting thinking there was no reason to shut the show down,” says Fischer. “It was only when we were given full disclosure about the people participating did we get concerned.”

Rottweiler Records organizers this week characterized the cancellation as an assault on hip-hop culture while calling for a rally outside the Pantages Theater, where the concert would have been held.

Rottweiler Owner Kyle Nephew says he was as shocked as BCPA officials were when he saw images of some of his artists in the company of what appeared to be local gang members. Nephew is careful when choosing his artists, he contends. He also concedes that one of   his artists is serving time, and a couple more have minor criminal charges. But none of them pose a threat. If they did, he wouldn’t work with them.

“If there is something serious going on with my artists, I want to know about it,” he says. “I want to know about it, and I want them off my label.”

Nephew also contends that Tacoma police officers inflated the significance of some of the images. Hand signs that Tacoma PD pegged as representing East Side Crips can also be seen displayed by elderly women at East Side Peewee Football games.

Nephew also doesn’t try to hide the fact that he knows gang members, and considers some of them his friends.

“I’ve known a lot of these guys since I was in third grade,” he says.

It’s unfair, however, to jump to the conclusion that collusion means he condones crime and violence. Quite the opposite, he says.

“If you grew up on the East Side, that’s the reality,” says Nephew. “I know six or seven people who have been shot in the last couple of years. There are gangs and violence on the East Side. But I’m trying to give people a place to do something positive. We want to give people something to do — a reason to come together and party. I know those pictures hurt us, and that they don’t show a good picture. But that’s not the whole picture.”

That said, Fischer says his venue cannot risk the possibility of someone being hurt, no matter how noble the promoters’ intentions.

“This isn’t about hip-hop,” says Fischer. “I believe there is a fantastic history of artistry in hip-hop. But I also believe there are artists who aren’t brandishing guns and celebrating the abuse of women. We are committed to diverse access. But I’ve got to make sure this venue is safe and secure for the community.”

Fischer says he is working to convene a public dialogue about hip-hop, its many facets, and its place in Tacoma. That, he says, will happen in the very near future.

“There is a bigger conversation here,” he says.

User comments

submitted 12:28 on Mar 14, 2008 by ROTTWEILER RECORDS

JUST FOR THE RECORDS THIS WAS ALWAYS FROM THE BEGINING A ROTTWEILER RECORDS CD RELEASE SHOW WITH SPECIAL GUEST PERFORMANCE BY E40. AND THE BROADWAY CENTER WAS GIVEN CD'S OF THE LOCAL ARTISTS THAT WERE TO BE PREFORMING THAT NIGHT. NOT ONE OF THOSE ARTISTS HAVE BEEN CONVICTITED OF ANY VIOLENT CRIMES OR THE ONES THAT THEY ARE BEING ACCCUSED OF. AND THE MEETING WE ALL ATTENDED YOU WERE TALIKING ABOUT WAS THOUGHT BY US TO BE A SAFETY MEETING WITH THE TPD TO INSURE THE SAFETY OF THE SHOW, THAT TURNED INTO WHAT FELT LIKE A COURT PROCEEDING WITH NO JURY OF MY PEERS JUST A BUNCH OF JUDGES. NOT ONCE HAS ROTTWEILER RECORDS EVER CONDONED VIOLENCE.OR HAD ANY PROBLEMS AT OUR SHOWS IN OUR THREE YEARS OF BEING A LABEL. I NEVER GREW UP ON THE EAST SIDE.I'VE LIVED ALL OVER WASHINGTON STATE, I LIVE ON THE SOUTHSIDE BUT MOST OF MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS LIVE ON THE EASTSIDE OF TACOMA. EVERYONE IN TACOMA ARE PROUD OF WHAT AREA THEY LIVE, HILLTOP, THE EASTSIDE, LAKEWOOD, NORTH AND SOUTH. MY GRANDMA WAS PROUD OF BEING FROM PACIFIC AVE. I PROMOTE MUSIC SO I'M IN CONTACT WITH ALL ASPECTS OF LIFE. YES I KNOW GANG MEMBERS, I ALSO KNOW HIPPIES, TEACHERS, POOR PEOPLE, RICH PEOPLE. I DON'T CONDEM PEOPLE OF THIER PAST. I'VE HAD FRIENDS KILLED, AND FRIENDS OF FRIENDS THAT HAVE FALLEN VICTIM TO VIOLENCE. AND THATS WHY I GIVE THEM AN OUTLET A CHANCE TO DO SOMETHING WITH THIER LIVES AND NOT WAIST ALL THAT ARTISTIC TALENT. I WILL ALWAYS STAND UP FOR THE UNDERDOGS BECAUSE THAT IS WHAT I AM. WASHINGTON I LOVE YOU BIG UP TO TACOMA AND SHELTON. KYLE- ROTTWEILER RECORDS

submitted 11:32 on Mar 14, 2008 by Supa Fly

Its clear to see which way this is going. As one of Rottweiler Records main artist I would like to stand up for myself and those of us around the label who don't have anything to do with all the problems and stories such as the one you just read by someone who knows nothing of me or mines. I stand up for what I believe in and that for a fair and peaceful way of living for adults and teens who came and are coming from the roads I myself have came from. Its easy to point and blame the next person and continue in he say she say but in the end nothing gets done and you end up with two sides fighting. Regardless of who we may know or have in our lives it shouldnt be held against those of us who do carry on a positive life for those around us and our families. As you did read and about the only true point that was made by the BCPA is that it isnt about Hip-Hop and it is way more to the story. The show doesnt make or brake us it just opens every eye to the seperation between many different races, music, cultures, and families that we deal with in our community. I can't and won't speak bad upon the BCPA nor the TACOMA POLICE DEPARTMENT due to the fact that it wouldnt get anyone a change or would it help my voice be herd. I believe the show would of been a great benifit to the Tacoma area not just because its a rap show but its something for the Urban Youth meaning kids of all ages and races not just blacks,they would of had something positive to do and to have a chance to have some fun for atleast one night due to the fact that there really isnt anything at all that they could put their focus on because they are labeled gangmembers and thugs. I will represent these voices that should be herd by the ears of those who should listen. Today its Hip-Hip show tomorrow who knows. In life nothing comes free and you have to work for it but whats the point to do so when its taken away from you because someone else wants to judge you.

submitted 02:30 on Mar 14, 2008 by SOMEONE THAT WAS BORN AND RAISED IN TACOMA

THE WHOLE TIME I LIVED IN TACOMA I NEVER NOTICED AND THE HATE AND DISCRIMINATION TILL LATELY. IT IS SO STRANGE HOW SINCE THE BEGINING OF TIME PEOPLE ALWAYS HATE (FEAR) WHAT THEY DONT KNOW. I THINK THIS REPORTER NEEDS TO DO A LIL HOMEWORK OF HIS OWN AND FIND OUT HOW MANY TPD OFFICERS ARE INTO GANG VIOLENCE. EVERYONE HAS THIS PICTURE THAT SOME OF THESE NIEGHBORHOODS ARE STILL GANGLAND WAR ZONES WHEN IN REALITY IT IS NOT 1989 AND THE PEOPLE THAT WHERE RESPONSILBLE FOR THAT BIG SHOOTOUT ON THE HILL WAS ARMY AND GANG MEMBERS AND FOR SOME WEIRD REASON NO ONE WAS ARRESTED. MY PIONT IS YOU CANT HOLD EVERYONE RESPONSIBLE FOR SOMETHING THAT HAPPENED ALMOST 20 YEARS AGO. DO YOU HEAR THE COMMUNITY STILL CALLING THE TPD WIFE BEATERS. NO WE TOOK THEIR WORD FOR IT AND ACCEPTED THEM DOIN THEIR OWN RECONSTRUCTION. I THINK IT IS ALL BULL. I LIVED HERE ALL MY LIFE AND I THINK IT IS ABOUT TIME THAT WE LET THINGS GET BETTER. DOES THE EVERYONE UNDERSTAND HOW MUCH THE VIOLENCE HAS WENT DOWN AND IF WE DESTROY THE WAY THESE YOUNG TEENS AND ADULTS RELEASE THEIR TENSION. THAT WE ARE GOING TO SEND US BACK INSTEAD OF FOWARD. AND TO THE REPORTER GO TO MYSPACE (YOU KNOW WHERE THE TPD DID THEIR RESEARCH) AND AT THE TOP OF THE PAGE WHERE IT SAYS SEARCH TYPE IN TACOMA POLICE DEPARTMENT AND INSTEAD OF PEOPLE CHANGE IT TO A MYSPACE AND LOOK AT THE DISPLAY NAME SEAN.

submitted 02:43 on Mar 14, 2008 by SOMEONE THAT WAS BORN AND RAISED IN TACOMA

IF YOU CANT FIND IT COPY AND PASTE THIS MySpace.com - Dude, Dude, Duuuude - 20 - Male - Tacoma, Washington ... Tacoma Police Department Tacoma, WA US Police Recruit, 11/26/07+. Fred Meyer Tumwater, WA US Nutrition Clerk Food, 3/27/06-9/1/07 ... profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendi =206991393

submitted 03:01 on Mar 14, 2008 by ?

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submitted 04:04 on Mar 14, 2008 by RR Anderson

So these guys can play Pantages because they aren't Will Smith? Man, parents just don't understand.

submitted 04:06 on Mar 14, 2008 by RR Anderson

<a href="http://in-tacoma.net/2008/03/14/city-targets-tacoma-hiphop-rottweiler-records-responds/">Protest Video</a>

submitted 06:28 on Mar 14, 2008 by Tac Native

I personally think this is bull, were is the POLICE when it comes to other venues employing and hosting white kid hardcore rock gang members, who beat the crap out of people outside there venue doors and they look the other way. And lastly anyone that works, lives, and was raised here knows the history of TPD. Walk down the street and and count the cops running reds and talking on cellphones.

submitted 10:41 on Mar 15, 2008 by Jobbertown Media

This type of thing does not surprise me at all. I would like to say that their should definitely be more of an open conversation about this. Hip Hop as a genre has always been looked down upon. ALWAYS. I have been a fan of hip hop just about all my life, and this type of thing always happens. No matter the artist or venue. I tend to think more on a safety concern nowadays personally. I see nothing wrong with them cancelling because of the overall safety concerns. What would have happened if * by chance here* something were to go wrong at the end of the show. Lots of potential damage could be done, and we as a city have taken alot of time to reinvest in our downtown. That investment should not be jeopardized. And zero tolerance, while stiff, means zero tolerance. I applaud all the parties involved with at least getting this far with this venue, Tacoma does not have a positive hip hop stance, I would like to see that change. I say try again, the more times we try maybe something will stick.

submitted 05:47 on Mar 16, 2008 by Urban Streets Television

What's next? Martial Law??? Do we stand up for our rights to express ourselves. Where do we go from here? I saw the police pepper sprayed a middle aged woman at a night club (Pacific Lounge on 24th and Pacific Ave) in tacoma last night after she was assaulted by another woman. Oops I forgot to mention, They sprayed the crowd too... You know why they can do that? Because they have the pepper spray and the guns... and you're next. Oh they were there to protect us from gang violence. You know those gang-bangers come to the club too. Who shoud we really be afraid of? I've got thousands of people on tape at e40 shows kickin it.. with like 4 cops on duty Oh I almost forgot, I saw some gang members there too! Oooohh. So whats the big deal. Most people are not trying to pick fights with the police but this is too much... When do you get tired of looking over your shoulder??

submitted 05:53 on Mar 16, 2008 by E40Tacoma video

Video footage of E40 in Tacoma http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wfVVQwGpznQ

submitted 11:22 on Mar 18, 2008 by RR Anderson

You guys made it in the Tacomic! http://www.feedtacoma.com/tacomic/?tid=5724

submitted 12:51 on Mar 20, 2008 by TT

If this is discrimination against hop-hop, I doubt the show would have ever been booked. The concerns are genuine. Safety first. No one is preventing these artists from expressing themselves. This is a matter of public safety. AND the hip-hop culture DOES have a history of violence. It was hip hop night at Club Impact over a year ago when one teen was killed and the other paralyzed by gunshots. You are lying to yourself if you think violence doesn't exist in the hip-hop scene. Fisher made a difficult decision. One I'm sure he didn't like making especially because of the inevitable judgment from narrow-minded people. Pick and choose your battles carefully. It gives you more validity. This one's a non-issue. And yes, TPD is CERTAINLY not without corruption. Indeed.

submitted 04:53 on Mar 26, 2008 by Lacey Leffler

The Broadway Center will host a community dialogue to challenge assumptions about Hip Hop and discuss ways in which Hip Hop music can be presented in a safe and positive manner: A Hip-Hop Community Dialogue on Sunday, April 27, 2008 at 3 pm in Theatre on the Square. This dialogue is a free event and will be open to the public. Mediator and University of Puget Sound Professor, Dexter Gordon will facilitate the dialogue with intentions of maintaining an environment where all voices and opinions will be spoken and heard. Broadway Center encourages dialogue participants to attend with an open mind and willingness to listen and learn.

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