The recent news about Taake shows there is in fact such a thing as bad publicity. After a New York City Antifa group alerted the local venue where Taake was set to play of a photo of the band's frontman Hoest displaying a swastika on his chest, as well as some of his anti-Muslim rhetoric, the venue decided to cancel the gig. This caused Hoest to defend his actions once again, in regards to the swastika at least, pointing out that the act was a troll, as the show was in Germany, where displaying swastikas is illegal. He vehemently denies he is a Nazi.
Yesterday, King Dude, the artist set to open the gigs, dropped off the tour, saying he feels the "banner under which people enter a King Dude concert must be welcoming to all people of all walks of life, race, religion, gender etc." But that's not even the worst publicity Taake got this week.
Rapper Talib Kweli, who is a very prominent hip hop artist, cancelled his show at Kansas City’s Riot Room, after he got wind that the venue booked Taake. Kweli released this statement:
“My position is that the venue should not want to host that band whether the band cancelled 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 it’s time to choose a side.
“I find it appalling that The Riot Room refuses to apologize for booking this band. 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. It’s a shame because I was really looking forward to performing in Kansas City.”
Kweli also took time to respond to some Twitter folk who were trying to come at him for this decision.
Mind blown by @TalibKweli. That is THE rap spot in KC. Do you have an issue with gang affiliated rappers on that stage too? Is that not the same thing? Color based hate? That's some bitch shit bro.
— Homebody (@realjohnrichey) February 21, 2018
https://twitter.com/TalibKweli/status/966202317698752512
https://twitter.com/JOHANvonSLAYER/status/966189383765372930
https://twitter.com/TalibKweli/status/966201684732055553
https://twitter.com/ThaToastedOne/status/965751586550054913
https://twitter.com/TalibKweli/status/965756705140346880
https://twitter.com/ThaToastedOne/status/966141498260631555
https://twitter.com/TalibKweli/status/966141801588494336
https://twitter.com/ThaToastedOne/status/966120837073068037
https://twitter.com/TalibKweli/status/966128538930810881
So, even though Hoest denies being a nazi, there are now plenty of Google results of a prominent hip hop musician accusing him of racism and bigotry. Can't be good for his future bookings.
