PRESS STATEMENT ON BEHALF OF ICE-T, GRANDMASTER MELE MEL, SCORPIO (FURIOUS 5), AFRIKA BAMBAATAA RE. ‘UK HIP HOP SUMMIT’
This statement is authorised by the artists mentioned to explain the reason for their not being in attendance at this event.
Approximately 8 weeks prior to the event, the organisers contacted the artists mentioned to secure their services. The event was promoted heavily as being connected to Russell Simmons’ Hip Hop Summit in the US and from the outset many claims were made about huge sponsorship, international telecasts, radio, television and worldwide exposure. Amongst names mentioned were BET, CNN, Channel 4 and MTV.
Naturally the artists saw this as a valuable and worthwhile event to be associated with which would provide them strong opportunities to reconnect with their international fan base, since all the artists have new albums of material due for release shortly. In the case of Ice-T, who was scheduled to be on tour with his group Body Count at the time, he made arrangements to reschedule those dates in order to attend the Summit. Likewise, Mele Mel and Scorpio backed out of an opportunity to do some local shows in favour of the Summit.
Afrika Bambaataa’s management was sent an email to make a proposal for his appearance. However, nothing further happened since Bambaataa was unavailable at the time of the Summit due to prior commitments. In no way was any agreement or contract entered into. It was also clearly expressed to the Summit organisers that in no manner or form was Afrika Bambaataa’s name to be used in publicising the event.
The other artists submitted their usual fee requirements and the organisers agreed. The event was then promoted very heavily both nationally and internationally on many websites and in other media. Much of this publicity featured very prominent photographs of Ice-T , Mele Mel and Scorpio, even though at this stage none of the artists had signed a contract or agreed to allow their images to be used for promotional purposes.
Of further note is that in the same publicity, the names Afrika Bambaataa and KRS One were also mentioned, when Afrika Bambaataa had expressly stated that his name was not to be used and there was never any agreement or even contact in place with that artist. This was a direct and clear violation of the artist’s expressed wishes.
There is no doubt that any potential sponsor would be impressed by such a prominent line up of Hip-Hop heavyweights. However, the artists were completely unaware that their images, names and reputations were being used in this manner.
As the time of the Summit approached, it became clear that the organisers were unable to meet their financial obligations. Ice-T gave a deadline by which all the promises made had to be actioned. When this date came and went, he withdrew from the event. It appears that there may have been some misrepresentation by the organisers of Ice-T’s reason for withdrawal, however it was purely for the reason that the organisers did not meet their financial obligations when promised, no other.
When Mele Mel and Scorpio were three days away from their scheduled departure for the UK, it emerged that no flight reservations or tickets had been organised. In addition, half their fee for the event, which was supposed to be paid prior to their departure, had not arrived. The organisers made several excuses but the agreed amount was not paid.
When the agreed payment was not received, and no flight tickets were provided, Mele Mel and Scorpio also withdrew from the event. Even at this point, the organisers continued sending out emails promising interviews with CNN, Sky News, MTV and national newspapers in the UK such as ‘The Daily Star’, and alleged celebrity support from names such as Mick Jagger and Justin Timberlake.
Co-founder Mel Maw found the situation unworkable after a number of details that were hidden from her and crucial facts came to light. She chose to remove herself from the summit on Thurs 6 July and disassociate from the Director of the UHHS for all of the reasons laid out above.
The artists regret being unable to appear at this event and meet their fans in the UK who have been amongst their most loyal supporters for the last twenty years. Since the organisation and planning was not as promised and the event organisers were unable to meet their financial obligations, the artists had no other choice than to withdraw. All the artists have incurred financial losses as a result of this situation.
All the artists hope to travel to the UK in the very near future in support of their new albums and thank their fans for their loyalty and continued support.
They are more than willing to work with established promoters.
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