21 Savage’s New York City Show Moves to New Venue Due to Alleged Police Pressure

Wednesday (March 30) night's 21 Savage New York City show has been moved from notable Manhattan venue Webster Hall to Brooklyn's AVIV after the NYPD allegedly issued a "strong advisory" to Webster Hall to cancel the show. A source told The FADER that the Manhattan venue has been getting pressure from the East Village neighborhood to tone down events and have started to adhere to the requests.

The NYPD has declined its involvement in shutting down the concert, telling FADER, "The decision to host or cancel a performance is made by Webster Hall management and not the NYPD."

The show is being hosted by Electric Circus as part of its "The Players Ball" series. Along with Savage, Electric Circus has brought acts like Migos, Lil Yachty, Kodak Black and other artists of that ilk to New York. Shabazz Varnie, the founder and CEO of Electric Cirucs, said that it's getting harder and harder to host hip-hop events in Manhattan. "Police give the venues problems," she told FADER. "[The NYPD can also] push for promoters to get extra security in order for the show to go on, which isn't cheap."

21 Savage's manager Kei Henderson adds, "New York doesn't play a lot of bullshit, especially when it comes to gun violence."

The rapper's music paints vivid portraits of gritty street life and gang violence.

Webster Hall recently ended "House Party," its weekly hip-hop event, which attracted huge crowds, big name DJ's and rising hip-hop stars. The popular concert hall recently changed its dress code to "No hats, no boots, no hoodies, no baggy jeans. For men: collared shirts are required." The articles of clothing listed are clearly synonymous with hip-hop culture and screams of "no rap allowed."

While the show has hit a hurdle, 21 Savage will hit the stage despite the hip-hop police's (alleged) best efforts to stop him.

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