Music News

The US rapper Tyler, the Creator says he has been banned from the UK because of the nature of his lyrics. The Odd Future co-founder recently cancelled four dates including an appearance at Reading/Leeds and tweeted that it was because the authorities were unhappy with his subject matter.

His manager, Christian Clancy, went into more detail on his Tumblr, saying

Tyler has been banned from entering the UK for somewhere between 3 to 5 years per a letter from the secretary of state for the home department of the UK. The letter specifically cites lyrics he wrote 6-7 years ago for his albums Bastard and Goblin , the type of lyrics he hasn't written since. Highlights from the letter include that his work encourages violence and intolerance of homosexuality and fosters hatred with views that seek to provoke others to terrorist acts.

Earlier this month Tyler cancelled the Australian leg of his world tour after a feminist group launched a petition to have him denied a visa to enter the country. The group, Collective Shout, cited objections to lyrics that include references to rape and violence against women, as well as historic behaviour on earlier tours.

Complaints about Tyler seem to stem largely from songs on his self-produced 2009 mixtape Bastard, which includes lines such as you call this shit rape but I think that rape's fun as well as references to raping Goldilocks and committing suicide. Most of that record was written when Tyler was a teenager and he has since written about how he's moved on from the sentiments expressed on it.

Comment: Once you start banning rappers like Tyler, the Creator, where do you stop

See article from theguardian.com

American rapper Chief Keef has had a holographic show halted by police. The holographic projection was part of a Chicago music event called Craze Fest

Now the company behind the presentation is threatening to sue the local mayor.

Hammond Mayor Thomas McDermott said he believed Keef was outlawed in Chicago and so took steps to prevent the performance. He said that he had heard Keef had recorded a lot of songs about gangs and gun violence.

Chief Keef has an outstanding warrant for lapsed child support payments in the state of Illinois,

Keef is reported to be very laid back about the ban with an organiser saying: He's used to the police and city always shutting him down, that's been the case since day one.

The Daily Mail writes:

Warning Explicit Content: Rihanna fully nude and bloody on quest for revenge in Bitch Better Have My Money music video

The seven-minute video was rated for mature audiences for its language, nudity and violence.

The Mail then continues giving a full illustrated synopsis of the video. And strangely the description is straightforward and totally lacking in the flowery prose of Daily Mail 'outrage'.

The Guardian adds:

Depending on which commentator or social media spat you choose, the video, viewed 12 million times since its release, is either an empowering challenge to music industry stereotypes or a racist and gory piece of misogyny.

Predictably, BBHMM ignited a furious debate. A headline on Refinery29 declared the video Not Safe For Work or Feminists while Twitter accused Rihanna of glorifying violence against women, and condemned the kidnapped female trope. Rolling Stone was attacked for praising the video and crediting the two minor male roles while not even giving a name to the actress who plays the main role.

In general the newspapers seem disappointingly unoutraged. Rihanna needs to try a bit harder.

Update: Repulsive new video for her repulsive single

7th July 2015. See article from dailymail.co.uk by Sarah Vine, Daily Mail hack and wife of Michael Gove

Rihanna and a video that should turn all mothers' stomachs: 'Concerned parent', [and wife of the government's chief whip] Sarah Vine, on the star's latest song that glorifies murder, torture, drug-taking, guns and racial stereotyping

When I first watched Rihanna's repulsive new video for her repulsive single, Bitch Better Have My Money , it had only had a couple of million views. It was last Wednesday, in fact, shortly after Nick Grimshaw had mentioned it on his Radio 1 Breakfast Show.

Even Grimshaw seemed a little bit shocked -- and he's not exactly a prude. It had made him feel proper sick, he said. Hmm, I thought to myself. Better check this one out.

...

A civilised society learns to censor such things for the greater good of all who live in it.

Without such boundaries, we are little more than savages. And Rihanna reminds us just how far we have fallen.

...Read the full recommendation

Update: Viv recommends the video: 'Unbelievably Shocking!'

7th July 2015. See article from dailymail.co.uk

Travel firm Kuoni and the Co-operative Group are the first to say they will stop their adverts playing before the singer's track Bitch Better Have My Money on video streaming website Vevo.

Kuoni said last night they have a policy of not advertising alongside explicit content and would be withdrawing their support for the video.

Chris Sonne, a spokesman for the Co-op, said:

This is certainly not something we would ever wish to be associated with. We are seeking to have the advert removed.

Vivienne Pattison, of pressure group Mediawatch-UK, said:

It is fantastic that advertisers have begun to take responsibility and withdraw their support for this unbelievably shocking video. I hope that more follow suit.

She also expressed her concern over the lack of restrictions in place on Vevo to prevent children from watching the film.

Norman Wells, of the Family Education Trust, added:

It is a grossly irresponsible production and we hope that no reputable advertiser will wish to support it or be associated with it in any way.