Ice-T, Afrika Bambaataa, Melle Mel, and Scorpio of Furious 5 have confirmed they will not be headlining this year’s UK Hip-Hop Summit, which was due to start tomorrow (July 12).
Organizers also stated that artists were not completely aware that their names and reputations were being used to publicize the event.
A statement on behalf of the artists was released yesterday (July 10), verifying that Bambaataa did not confirm his appearance by signing a contract or agreeing to participate in the event.
A proposal, along with a Summit program, was sent to his management, however there were no replies to confirm the Summit could publicly use his name.
It was also stated that unlike Bambaataa, Ice-T, Melle Mel and Scorpio had allegedly verbally agreed to participate with the main Summit, but no contracts were signed to confirm their attendance.
Although fees and deadlines were supposedly agreed to, Ice-T withdrew from the event as soon as it was apparent that Summit could not meet various financial requirements.
Shortly after, it emerged that no flight ticket reservations were made for the two remaining artists, Melle Mel and Scorpio, who have now also decided to withdraw.
It has also been revealed that although organizers knew about the cancellations, UK and international press such as MTV and CNN were still being contacted to carry out interviews with the artists, knowing that financial obligations were not met.
The artists have expressed regret not meeting fan’s expectations and said they hope to perform in the UK soon.
The organizers of the Summit have issued no response as to whether the Summit will still go ahead.
The event was planned as a five-day affair, including workshops and an evening dedicated to women in Hip-Hop, in addition to the main summit.