It seems like Hip Hop clubs from coast to coast are finding themselves under attack. There was a recent article in the Village Voice that spoke to problems experienced by the Tunnel which has been made Internationally famous by Funkmaster Flex. It seems like the club owner was told by police he was not allowed to have a Hip Hop night and by featuring Flex he was violating some sort of ordinance or conditions. Here in SF we told you about the crackdown on popular spots like Maritime Hall. Now word comes out of Toronto that Mayor Mel Lastman is scapegoating Hip Hop as a way to score points with his conservative constituents. Here's an excerpt from a recent letter I got.
This note is just to let you know that Toronto Youth and HipHop/Underground culture is taking a beating this week. A task force has been set up to shut down what are being called "illegal" clubs and parties, but it's really an excuse to raid popular nightspots and placate unhappy parents.
Mayor Lastman said "These clubs and raves draw criminals and drug dealers. These people carry guns and knives. We want these criminals caught. We will use everyone we need to padlock these dens of drugs and guns.''
It sounds like a crusade to me. I have been to many of TO's raves and nightclubs and they are not dens of iniquity as the Mayor (always a publicity hound) has claimed. While he plays concerned citizen, he is essentially shutting out a large part of TO's HipHop scene. What makes it worse is that legitimate parties are also being targeted. Lastman said the strike force will also close legal parties if any criminal activity is discovered. In other words, one person screws up, the whole class gets detention.
Yes, safety is an issue and yes, sometimes bad things happen at raves or clubs. But this does not excuse the broad prejudice against all clubs/parties/raves that the Mayor has set as his platform.
The HipHop culture in Toronto will suffer from this. If people want to question Mayor Mel's grandstanding, they can contact his office.
Mel Lastman
City of Toronto Mayor's Office
100 Queen St. W
2nd Floor
Toronto, ON M5H 2N2
Tel: (416) 395-6464
Fax: (416) 395-6440
Thanks,
Heather Emme
If people want to e-mail me, they can at mailto:heatheremme@yahoo.com |
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