A planned concert
featuring Rappin’ 4 Tay at a recreation center was canceled at the request
of local police.
Rappin’ 4
Tay was scheduled for a 30 minute performance at the Manteca Community Gym tonight
(October 8th) for sixth through eighth graders.
The rapper agreed
to not use profanity and tone his performance down, but police feared his appearance
would incite gang violence.
"This cancellation
of Rappin’ 4 Tay’s appearance is necessary in context of the recent increase
in gang-related problems in Manteca," Steve Houx, Parks and Recreation
Director told the Manteca Bulletin newspaper. "There is the potential for
this style of music to attract those who are into the gangster lifestyle. In
the interest of the safety of the youth at the dance and in the community, it
is not prudent at this time to conduct an event that may attract gang members
to Manteca or this event. This cancellation is not a direct reflection upon
the artist himself or his music."
The Parks and Recreation
Department said they received two complaints about his appearance, while police
said they received a large number of complaints about 4 Tay’s appearance.
Manteca Police
said their concerns were based upon the growing gang problem. Last weekend alone,
they responded to five gang fights and a stabbing.
