I have to thank my good friend Nick Wright out in Kansas City for making me aware of this one. Nick hosts a talk show out in KC, mostly commenting on sports topics, and occasionally addressing larger social and/or political issues. Check him out at 610sports.com.
Such was the case today as Nick devoted a portion of his show to an event that occurred over the weekend that has KC up in arms. DJ Jazzy Jeff was performing at KC's downtown entertainment district Saturday night. For those who may not be aware, it was Will Smith AKA The Fresh Prince & Jeff Townes AKA DJ Jazzy Jeff who won the very first rap Grammy Award for their hit 'Parents Just Don't Understand' in 1989. Jazzy Jeff is a hip hop pioneer.
Saturday night after only 30 minutes, Jazzy Jeff ended his set and walked off stage. Read all about the incident here.
Jeff claims he was kicked off stage for playing hip-hop.. There are also reports that his "hype man" was forming gang signs on stage while attempting to liven up the crowd. Jazzy Jeff says they were asked to play Top 40 hits or leave, despite the fact Jeff says his set included T.I. & Rihanna's hit 'Live Your Life,' Kanye West's 'The Good Life,' and other chart-toppers.
Jon Stephens, the president of the Power & Light District where the concert was held maintains that Jeff & Co. were asked to leave because their levels were too high and risked damaging the speaker equipment...
My buddy Nick spoke with Stephens this morning and got his take on the situation:
The KC P&L district is an urban redevelopment financed by taxpayers, and there has been a great deal of public outrage regarding the districts policies since it opened last spring. Most of the outrage stems from what are perceived as racial undertones through the dress code policy and lack of venues that cater to minority clientele, despite the fact that 30% of the city's population is black.
Kansas City is also home to the American Jazz Museum & The Negro Leagues Museum, but the newly opened development where Jazzy Jeff was asked to leave does not have one venue that features blues, jazz or hip hop amongst its over 40 establishments.
KC P&L's dress code policy. What do you think?
Here is a news story on KCP&L's controversial dress code.
I was not in attendance Saturday, nor do I live in Kansas City. I am though good friends with Nick who was born, raised and now works there. Through Nick, I have learned that KC is notorious for frail race relations. KCP&L may have had the best of intentions last weekend, but the dress code policy, its lack of business that cater to minorities, and its treatment of a hip hop legend send an entirely different message...
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This is very interesting. I see a couple of issues here. This dress code does seem extreme and controlling. However, there are benefits to a dress code. A dress code sets the standard/expectation for the type of environment the guests are entering when they choose a particular spot for entertainment. This one is extreme in that it is too specific and narrow minded. If the desire is to have a business casual environment then it should be expressed that way. This would eliminate the racial/cultural implications. The combination of the strict dress code and the absence of a blues or hip hop establishment among the many there does look racist. Maybe, just maybe these factors had an impact on Jazzy's reaction to the comment made to him? Something to consider. He may have felt unwelcomed after looking around and seeing whose his audience was and the reception he was receiving. Hmmmmm...
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