Rakim has been on the receiving end of some nasty backlash after postponing his European tour for a second time, with some fans branding him “disrespectful.”
Taking to Instagram on Thursday (May 12), the Paid in Full MC revealed that there have been one too many scheduling conflicts to contend with, thus needing to move his European dates around.
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“I’m unfortunately postponing the planned European concerts scheduled in June 2023,” he began. “As the world celebrates the 50th anniversary of Hip Hop, I’ve been blessed with so many calls and invitations to represent the pioneers of this genre at innumerable once-in-a-generation events and awards.
“These blessings have unfortunately created so many calendar conflicts that it’s simply not possible to travel internationally and still put on the undistracted shows Europe deserves after so many years.”
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He continued: “Stick with me if you can. Our production partners in the UK, Scandinavia, and the Netherlands have already been able to reschedule and we expect the rest of the shows to have new dates announced shortly. All tickets shall remain valid or be available for a refund. Please check with your local venue for more information.”
Check out Rakim’s statement below:
Comments on Rakim’s social media were swift and fierce, with many calling the legendary MC disrespectful for moving the shows around.
“Not good Ra. This is the 3rd time you reschedule. Postponing it for a few months would be alright but pushing it back an entire year is not good,” wrote one commenter.
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“We love you Rakim but 2nd postponement in a row? That’s poor,” wrote another. “From Sept 2022, then June 2023, now May 2024? That’s poor and disrespectful to the European fans. Refund incoming.”
And still another wrote: “Didn’t expect anything different, he always cancels his tour dates in the UK.”
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But there were just as many commenters who were supportive of Rakim’s decision to take his time getting to Europe.
DJ Jazzy Jeff wrote, “same here bro,” implying that he, too, had his schedule more jammed than ever before.
Domingo Padilla, a producer perhaps best known for his recent work with the legendary Kool G Rap, responded with a praying hands emoji, seemingly acknowledging that Rakim’s word is to be respected.
One fan called out other fans for their disrespectful comments. “I can’t believe all the disrespectful comments. When life gets hectic it’s best to be honest with yourself and it would not of been an easy decision. Big respect to the R. I’ve been a fan for 2 decades now so I can wait another year to see the man. Everyone needs to fucking chill! Big love R from the UK,” wrote the fan.
“All the European fans that feel dissed by this, I understand that you are inconvenienced, but let the God get his shine,” agreed another. “Ra is one of the top 5, no matter your list. He’s your favorite’s favorite. From swag to delivery to content to lyrical mastery he is HIM. But his accolades are mostly unseen, spoken amongst heads like a legend.
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“He didn’t get the checks that everyone after him got. He inspired a generation of greatness and was forgotten when it came to his rightful reward. Let the man tap into that. Let the world give him his propers. Let him get his due.”
Rakim certainly deserves his flowers, and he recently got them from Chris Brown, who named the New York MC as one of the many legends in his “own personal Hip Hop Mount Rushmore” last summer.
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“JAY-Z, Nas, Big L, and 2Pac,” Brown said. He thought about the answer again and doubled back, replacing one New York MC for another. “Skrrt, put Biggie in the spot of Nas!” Brown exclaimed. “I love Nas, damn, it’s fuckin’ up! Damn, hold up I’m sorry. Rakim in there too, I’m sorry! That’s all mine. Everybody I said, those are in my Mt. Rushmore. I made my own Mt. Rushmore.”
