Incident at P&L District shocks DJ Jazzy Jeff

[Deberg_1990]

Wow......Unreal.



http://www.kansascity.com/226/story/1238798.html



Another day, another racial controversy at the Power & Light District.

For a year, the black community has been in arms about perceived racism at the entertainment district, a place their tax money helped fund. But it’s always rebutted. Everyone is welcome at the P&L, officials say.

Well, those who follow the hip-hop music scene have more to chew on since late Saturday night, when one of hip-hop’s icons, DJ Jazzy Jeff, cut short a set of music and left the stage in a dispute over the kind of music his show was spinning.

I walked in just as he was walking off the stage. He had performed less than 30 minutes.

The crowd booed and I heard people, both black and white, yell about how the Power & Light didn’t want him to play hip-hop. I wasn’t sure what happened, but I knew it was bad.

A conversation I had with him early Sunday confirmed it.

He might be best known as one half of DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince, but he is more than Will Smith’s old DJ and friend. The two won the first rap Grammy.

Jeff Townes, his given name, is legendary. He introduced “transforming,” the scratching technique turntablists use. This man has toured for 25 years. He’s an acclaimed producer.

So what exactly happened?

According to his tweets (twitter.com/djjazzyjeff215), he was kicked offstage for playing hip-hop. Jon Stephens, president of the Power & Light District, says it was about the sound levels.

“The issue that arose with the performance last night was completely about the sound levels,” he said Sunday. “His audio tech was maxing out the sound system to a point that risked damage to the speakers and sound system. His sound techs and management refused to bring the decibel level down. They were told to bring it down or cease performance. They refused to go on.”

Hours after he returned to his Philadelphia home, I spoke to Jazzy Jeff on the phone to hear his side.

His set started with sounds of hip-hop and pop favorites — Jay-Z, Biz Markie, Rihanna. His MC, Skillz, hyped up the crowd.

But after 15 minutes or so, in the middle of an R&B hit by Ne-Yo, “Miss Independent,” he was told to stop.

“My road manager walked up to me and said they were having problems with the music I was playing,” Jazzy Jeff told me. “I played three more songs and he comes back. I knew something was wrong. They said I had to kick Skillz off the stage, change the format of the music I was playing or quit. They said if I continued playing they had 30 cops ready to come escort me offstage. So I stopped.”

Jon Stephens says that isn’t so.

“Obviously we have a desire to book a diversity of acts,” he said. “We booked Jazzy Jeff on a Saturday night, the biggest night of the week in the district. We were excited to have him there. It’s unfortunate that his sound and management people had problems adhering to the sound and audio rules. We wanted him to play. That’s why we booked him.”

Jazzy Jeff was excited to play here too.

But it all went wrong. Venue officials said the set attracted the wrong kind of element, he says.

“They said they didn’t like Skillz’s posture,” Jeff said. “They said he made gang-like signs and grabbed at his genitals.”

So P&L officials wanted him offstage. But Jeff felt it was wrong because Skillz is no gang member. He is a father. His hand gestures were the kind of excited movements you make to get the crowd excited.

He wasn’t cursing or being offensive.

“I was playing Rihanna; she is Top 40,” he says. “If they would have let my set play, they would have known I play everything. I play rock, funk, soul, pop, hip-hop, reggae. I don’t play for a certain genre, race or gender. I play for music lovers.”

In his 25-year career, at 44 years old, Jeff has never been told to end a set because of hip-hop. He says he has never felt that kind of racism. The “element” that officials referred to felt like a reference to black people, a hip-hop crowd.

“I’m in shock,” he says. “I didn’t understand what element they were talking about. I looked out in the crowd and it was multicultural, but about 75 percent white. Everyone was having a great time. I wondered what was so offensive. I never had a race issue. I didn’t know how to feel. I was playing ‘Just a Friend.’ Is that offensive? What element? It’s uncomfortable when you feel unwanted.”

[mikeyis4dcats.]

Originally Posted by Dottefan

no becuase you obvioulsy someone who does not like someone like me.

dude, you can't follow a simple argument. I have nothing against YOU. I have something against those who cause trouble.


Let me try this example:

I'm guessing you and I both dislike racists and Nazis. Now, if John Doe walks around wearing swastikas, how do you think he will be perceived. It doesn't matter one bit that the swastika was around for centuries before the socialist party adopted it and sullied it. Makes zero difference it was a sign of peace for native americans. One group gave it a bad image....forever.

Your predicament is no different. Minorities (in this case african americans) should worry less about what "the man" thinks of them, and direct that energy into their own culture and self policing those who think it's a rite of passage for a young black man to be a gangsta. Those who think the drugs and hos lifestyle is acceptable. Those who want to roll up in the clubs saggin their pants, holding, and yelling vulgarities at everyone, threatening and carrying out violence. If the african american society would take back their image, it would better each of you. You, as an upstanding black citizen could have an impact on society, and those who are driven to change would reap obvious rewards.

Those who cause these problems for the rest of us could care less what a guy like me has to say on the subject. Only their peers can effect these types of changes on them.

[Lzen]

Originally Posted by Kyle DeLexus

This thread lost it's burst once mic left, he at least made good points.

Yep. I don't often agree with micjones's viewpoints, but at least he makes good, logical arguments. No matter how wrong they are.

[|Zach|]

STATEMENT REGARDING DJ JAZZY JEFF PERFORMANCE

On Saturday night Kansas City Live! was proud to feature a DJ performance by Jazzy Jeff. Jazzy Jeff is a tremendous artist with a long and successful history in the hip-hop/rap music genre and KC Live! was honored to have Jazzy Jeff play the venue. The event played by Jazzy Jeff was the second year of a similar promotion, last years featuring Mix Master Mike. We were delighted to feature the music that Jazzy Jeff is famous for. That is why he was scheduled to perform and his performance was excellent and exactly what we expected when he was scheduled.



The problem that occurred was solely technical in nature. KC Live! is not a traditional concert venue and thus the sound amplification and the type of sound waves compatible with the overall sound system are an issue with some production companies accustomed to concert venue shows. Whenever possible KC Live! handles the production of the shows however this artist supplied his own production staff. Thirty minutes into his performance the venue production engineers repeatedly informed the artists production staff that the system was being red-lined and that volume needed to be lowered to prevent damage to the system. The artists personnel ultimately refused and the artist terminated the concert for that reason. To characterize this incident in racial terms is absurd and illogical. We scheduled Jazzy Jeff proudly, knowing exactly his repertoire of music.



There was in fact extensive damage done to the system due to the performance. There are twelve high end drivers in the main cabinets of the sound system. Nine of the twelve high end drivers of the sound system were permanently damaged by the “square” sound wave being sent from the artists production which put the overall system is distress. Had the levels been adjusted in a quick manner the system would not have been damaged. Problems in aligning artist and venue production have occurred with other performers, for example the rock and roll band Lights and Siren stopped in mid concert to prevent damage to the sound system.



We would happily have Jazzy Jeff return as often as his schedule would accommodate and tour is booked at another facility which is affiliated with Kansas City Live!

[Mr. Plow]

Since both mic & dotte are gone, is this just a bunch of white guys fighting with each other?

[Kyle DeLexus]

Originally Posted by mikeyis4dcats.

dude, you can't follow a simple argument. I have nothing against YOU. I have something against those who cause trouble.


Let me try this example:

I'm guessing you and I both dislike racists and Nazis. Now, if John Doe walks around wearing swastikas, how do you think he will be perceived. It doesn't matter one bit that the swastika was around for centuries before the socialist party adopted it and sullied it. Makes zero difference it was a sign of peace for native americans. One group gave it a bad image....forever.

Your predicament is no different. Minorities (in this case african americans) should worry less about what "the man" thinks of them, and direct that energy into their own culture and self policing those who think it's a rite of passage for a young black man to be a gangsta. Those who think the drugs and hos lifestyle is acceptable. Those who want to roll up in the clubs saggin their pants, holding, and yelling vulgarities at everyone, threatening and carrying out violence. If the african american society would take back their image, it would better each of you. You, as an upstanding black citizen could have an impact on society, and those who are driven to change would reap obvious rewards.

Those who cause these problems for the rest of us could care less what a guy like me has to say on the subject. Only their peers can effect these types of changes on them.

Great post.

[sedated]

Originally Posted by Dottefan

if you judge all black guys in white tees as thugs, then why not apply the same to white guys in suits...

people are judged based on their clothes no matter what color their skins is. A guy dressed like a gangster (white tee and baggy pants as you call it) looks like a gangster whether he’s white, black, latino, man, woman, or a little green alien.

The guys in suits ARE judged, just like everyone else. But they are judged in the positive, because they showing a classy appearance.

[Mr. Flopnuts]

Originally Posted by Dottefan

I grew up in a rough neighborhood. I never went to jail , I never sold dope, and I never carried a gun, and most of the kids I grew up with didn't either. I and they dressed like allot of the guys who you narrow minded people would call thugs..but I also have a degree, I work in the inner city volunteering to help kids stay out of jail and gangs, and I am working on my masters. But if you saw me on the street because of your narrow minds and your own hang ups, you would think I was a thug.......get over your selves. The world is changing. There is a whole generation that has grown up on hip hop and does not have your ****ed up stereotypes of what a thug is. This generation is already starting to take over ,a hopefully in the next 10 years this conversation will never have to take place again.

We'll get there. But I think it'll be closer to 50 years than 10. I hope I'm wrong.

[Lzen]

Originally Posted by |Zach|

STATEMENT REGARDING DJ JAZZY JEFF PERFORMANCE

On Saturday night Kansas City Live! was proud to feature a DJ performance by Jazzy Jeff. Jazzy Jeff is a tremendous artist with a long and successful history in the hip-hop/rap music genre and KC Live! was honored to have Jazzy Jeff play the venue. The event played by Jazzy Jeff was the second year of a similar promotion, last years featuring Mix Master Mike. We were delighted to feature the music that Jazzy Jeff is famous for. That is why he was scheduled to perform and his performance was excellent and exactly what we expected when he was scheduled.



The problem that occurred was solely technical in nature. KC Live! is not a traditional concert venue and thus the sound amplification and the type of sound waves compatible with the overall sound system are an issue with some production companies accustomed to concert venue shows. Whenever possible KC Live! handles the production of the shows however this artist supplied his own production staff. Thirty minutes into his performance the venue production engineers repeatedly informed the artists production staff that the system was being red-lined and that volume needed to be lowered to prevent damage to the system. The artists personnel ultimately refused and the artist terminated the concert for that reason. To characterize this incident in racial terms is absurd and illogical. We scheduled Jazzy Jeff proudly, knowing exactly his repertoire of music.



There was in fact extensive damage done to the system due to the performance. There are twelve high end drivers in the main cabinets of the sound system. Nine of the twelve high end drivers of the sound system were permanently damaged by the “square” sound wave being sent from the artists production which put the overall system is distress. Had the levels been adjusted in a quick manner the system would not have been damaged. Problems in aligning artist and venue production have occurred with other performers, for example the rock and roll band Lights and Siren stopped in mid concert to prevent damage to the sound system.



We would happily have Jazzy Jeff return as often as his schedule would accommodate and tour is booked at another facility which is affiliated with Kansas City Live!

Wow. Well that sounds like a logical explanation. I guess at this point it comes down to who you believe. I wonder if they had some contractor come and look at their drivers to discover that damage they claim. If so, can we get a response from that contractor? Would be interesting to hear from a 3rd party here.

[topher79]

The style of dress in question is not black culture. It is hip-hop culture. We've already agreed that hip-hop transcends all races. Therefore banning hip-hop fashion cannot be racist. White, black, or brown, if you have your ass hanging out of your pants you wholeheartedly deserve all of the dirty looks and sneering comments you get. Would it be okay if I all of the sudden decided to have half a testicle exposed and then try to pass it off as "white culture"?

[Mr. Plow]

Originally Posted by |Zach|

Problems in aligning artist and venue production have occurred with other performers, for example the rock and roll band Lights and Siren stopped in mid concert to prevent damage to the sound system.

This part stood out to me.

[wutamess]

Originally Posted by CoMoChief

Go down there sometime and look at the people who get denied entrance because of their dress code attire and ask yourself whether you think these people have ok-decent jobs, or have had some education past HS, trust me the scum that I have seen down there try to get in, no one in their right mind outside places like McDonalds and Pizza hut would hire these people.

You are so fuggin naive that it's irritating.
I dress exactly like what you're describing and make more than you with a BS in Computer Science.

I got in but was turned down at the Mosaic because my shorts touched my knees. I didn't have them sagging or anything and they were my shortest pair of shorts I have. I don't care and don't think it was racist but I'm saying you can't judge a book by its cover.

For you to blindly judge people because of stereotypes outside of your (Columbia, MO) world is just plain stupid.

Can't believe people can be this stoopid.

[Lzen]

Originally Posted by Mr. Plow

This part stood out to me.

That's a good catch. I wonder if there is some record of this. If so, that would be a good backing to their statements.

[Mr. Flopnuts]

Originally Posted by Lzen

I disagree. I am not blind or stupid enough to believe racism/stereotyping/discrimination never happens. But I think it gets used way to often nowadays in places that it should not. I don't claim to completely understand what black folks went through trying to get the same rights/freedoms. But I would also bet that a lot of them (the young ones like I assume dotte is) have no idea what they went through, either.

See, this isn't a matter of drinking in the same water fountains. Racism has taken on a whole new facet. Racism used to be a power and control issue. Now, it's become a fear issue. And if you think that young, black, men don't notice that when you look at them, in how you talk to them, and how you treat them, then I believe that you are mistaken.

Our problem is that we are a "me first" society. We never take the time to consider how the things we say, or even the looks on our faces affect people of another race. And I completely believe that it is a 2 way street. JMHO.

[Katipan]

Originally Posted by topher79

Would it be okay if I all of the sudden decided to have half a testicle exposed and then try to pass it off has "white culture"?

...

I'm okay with it.

[Lzen]

Originally Posted by wutamess

I got in but was turned down at the Mosaic because my shorts touched my knees. I didn't have them sagging or anything and they were my shortest pair of shorts I have

Wait, you can't wear shorts that come down to your knees? Hell, I have several like that. I don't think I own a pair that down go down that far. That's goofy.

Originally Posted by wutamess

For you to blindly judge people because of stereotypes outside of your (Columbia, MO) world is just plain stupid.

Can't believe people can be this stoopid.

Roger, meet CoMo. CoMo, Roger.