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Talib Kweli Cancels Show at Riot Room After Venue Books Controversial Band TAAKE
Talib Kweli Cancels Show at Riot Room After Venue Books Controversial Band TAAKE

Talib Kweli Cancels Concert After Venue Books a Racist Metal Band

UPDATED: TAAKE has cancelled their U.S. tour, as well as issued a statement on Talib Kweli and Antifa accusing them of being racist.

Posted on their Facebook page, the band reiterated that theyare "not now, has never been, and never will be a Nazi band, as well as called out Kweli after he canceled a show at a venue that had booked the Norwegian black metal group.

Speaking on the rapper the group wrote:

"His heart may have misguidedly been in the right place, but his brain, and his legal advisors, were not. Had he bothered to check the facts he would have realised that he had put himself in a position of looking like someone who doesn't know, or understand, or even care about, all the facts, and who is easily manipulated by others to dance to their tune."

Read the original story below.

Talib Kweli takes a stand

Talib Kweliwas all set to perform at the Riot Room in Kansa City on Wednesday evening. And then Twitter happened.

Users informed the rapper that the venue booked a Norwegian black metal called TAAKE. The band has ties to white nationalists. Once finding out, Kweli went to Twitter and voiced his displeasure.

Then he cancelled the show.

READ: The Secret History Of Talib Kwelis Quality

After cancelling his appearance, Kweli sent out a statement explaining his reasoning. He also stated that the venue should issue an apology:

My position is that the venue should not want to host that band whether the band canceled or not, and should issue an apology for even booking the band. The response I received was that the venue did not want to choose sides between a band that sympathizes with racism and bigotry and me. I think its time to choose a side...I find it appalling that The Riot Room refuses to apologize for booking this band. I wouldnt feel safe bringing my team, family, and fans into a venue that is sympathetic to white nationalism, so Ive cancelled the show. Its a shame because I was really looking forward to performing in Kansas City.

READ: Talib Kweli Lists His 10 Favorite Albums of All Time for The Subscription Service Experience Vinyl

Interestingly enough, TAAKE recently has had shows in Chicago and New York that have been canceled.