Hip-hop artists continue to deal with aftermath of shooting outside East El Paso nightclub
By Adriana M. Chavez / El Paso Times
Article Launched: 10/13/2008 09:46:41 AM MDT
EL PASO - Three weeks after a shooting outside of an East El Paso nightclub after a hip-hop music event, hip-hop show promoters and artists, along with local venues, are still experiencing negative after affects.
Deshaun Williams was arrested last week in connection with the Sept. 21 shooting outside of Graham Central Station that injured 12 people, two critically.
The day after the shooting, Teleah Callins president of Denver-based Heavy Ghetto Entertainment, was told by managers of Studio 69 in Downtown El Paso that her Oct. 3 show, featuring New Orleans rapper Baby Boy Da Prince, was canceled.
"They were afraid to have him because he was a 'down south' (a term describing a style of rap) artist, but he's a pop artist," Callins said.
Callins said she was told Studio 69 didn't play the style of music of Baby Boy Da Prince, but Callins said she believes the cancellation had to with the negative stigma placed on hip-hop events in El Paso.
"It wasn't until the news story (of the shooting) came out that he decided he wanted to cancel," Callins said.
Representatives from Studio 69 couldn't be reached for comment.
Callins said she eventually found another venue for her show, which took place Oct. 4, but the show was unsuccessful.
"We lost a bunch of money on that show," Callins said. "El Paso has left a bad taste for our entertainment company."
Representatives for artists performing at a concert Oct. 19 at Cohen Stadium, featuring headliners Don Omar and
Advertisement
Tego Calderon, are also fearful that that show will be canceled.
One of the artists scheduled to perform, rapper Silkski, said he has a large fan base here and hopes the concert goes on as scheduled.
"I once did a show at Club Volare, and there was no problem. It turned out well, there was a full house, everything was good," Silkski said. "For (the shooting) to affect us and affect our livelihood because somebody decided to shoot, that has something to do with something going on locally."
Silkski said hip-hop as a whole is not associated with gang violence, but because many gang members associate themselves with the style of music, it casts a dark shadow over hip-hop.
"They're giving rappers a bad rap," Silkski said. "There is 'gansta rap' out there that does contribute to that, but there's a whole lot of hip-hop out there that's not like that."
Managers of at least one El Paso venue, Ice Bar at 3233 N. Mesa, still host a hip-hop night, but have revamped their dress code and security, and are targeting an older audience.
"We're not even targeting 20 and under, we're strictly 21 and over now," said manager Rudy Mendivil. "Generally speaking, hip-hop always had that bad vibe, but in the club industry, we try to get a feel for people who just want to have a good time."
Mendivil said the new dress code restricts jerseys, head wear or obvious gang tattoos.
"We want people to come in here and make sure they have a good time," Mendivil said. "They don't have to worry about the negativity attached to hip-hop."
Adriana M. Chávez may be reached at achavez@elpasotimes.com; 546-6117.
No comments:
Post a Comment