The Canadian government has long erected roadblocks to prevent fans from checking out their favorite hip-hop artists (aside from Drake, of course). However, fans of Detroit rapper Danny Brown are taking action in an attempt to get the "Old" performer access to gigs north of the border.
Brown was scheduled to play two shows, one in Edmonton and one in Vancouver, with Action Bronson but he was prevented from entering the country. Although Brown didn't indicate why he was turned away, all indications suggest that it's the result of his 2006 arrest for drug dealing and probation violations. It's the second time Brown has been rejected by Canada, although he claims to have filed necessary paperwork to get it.
"Sorry Canada, I tried," he tweeted.
Brown isn't the first rapper to get the cold shoulder from Canada. A$AP Rocky, 50 Cent and Waka Flocka Flame have also had issues entering the country. Although Brown claims that he's given up hope of playing up north ever again, fans are using the web to generate awareness and hopefully get something done about it. A petition generated at activism.com accuses the government of racial profiling, and urges the state to let Brown in. The stated goal is 10,000 signatures and as of press time, the total stood at 153.
Although "Danny Brown is of significant cultural importance within the music community" may be an overstatement, we can see their point.
Canada has long made it difficult for foreign acts to perform on Canadian soil. Current laws charge a $275 fee to a venue for every foreign band booked, plus an $150 fee per person to enter the country. And, as Brown found out, that $150 doesn't guarantee they'll let you in.
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