SOHH Squad
G.O.O.D. Music's Yasiin Bey has finally ended speculation of being banned from entering the United States after appearing in New York this weekend. #BanWho
Following a Friday (June 27) night appearance at comedian Dave Chappelle‘s Big Apple standup show, Bey showed support for director Spike Lee in Brooklyn.
Spike Lee celebrated the 25 year anniversary of Do The Right Thing with a block party that took place in Bed Stuy, where the movie was filmed. Several celebrities made surprise appearances at the event, including Yasiin Bey, Erykah Badu, and Public Enemy. Public Enemy performed “Fight The Power,” while Bey chose to freestyle on the spot. Badu did not perform, but she did show up on stage and signed some autographs. (Complex)
Rap veteran Talib Kweli recently defended his fellow Brooklyn hip-hop friend and dismissed the ban reports.
“I haven’t spoken on Yasiin cuz it seemed obvious to me that these rumors are unsubstantiated lies. But y’all believe blogs so I must.,” Talib tweeted May 29.
“Think about you’ve read about Yasiin. Does it make sense? No it doesn’t. Do you own research if you that concerned. Stop believing blogs.”
“No need to get up in arms. Yasiin is, in the words of Dave Chappelle, chillin out in South Africa #mandelavoice” (Talib Kweli’s Twitter)
Prior to Kweli, an alleged Bey associate claimed there was no ban on the rap vet in May.
Abdi Hussein, another American living in Cape Town, said it was a “complete lie” that Mos Def was barred from the US, saying the rapper had merely “moved the dates” for his tour because he was working on other projects in Africa. Hussein told The Times yesterday: “[Mos Def] has never attempted to enter any country and been refused. It’s a complete lie. In fact, if there was anything criminal against you, they would invite you back so they could lock you up.” (Times Live CO)
An announcement of Bey’s nixed tour was posted onto website Together Boston in May.
“We regret to inform you that due to immigration / legal issues Yasiin Bey is unable to enter back into the United States and his upcoming U.S. tour has been canceled, including May 15th, Together Boston’s show at The Wilbur Theatre. Individual ticket refunds for this show are available at point of sale.” (Together Boston)
