Mainstage Lovebox 2007. Photo: Emily Heath (Flickr).
London-based garage and hip hop group So Solid Crew who were originally scheduled to perform at this weekend’s Lovebox in Victoria Park tomorrow have now been dropped, because of claims that another unnamed artist did not want the group performing in the same venue as them.
The collective group of rappers, djs and dancers have been surrounded by a number of controversies – some earlier gigs were cancelled because of violence and two former member have been imprisoned – one for weapons offences and one for murder.
So Solid Crew member MC Harvey took to Twitter to share his frustration of the news on behalf of the rest of the band: “Yes #LoveBox is cancelled because another artist don’t want us on the same stage as them. UK artists blocking SoSolid #Wow.” He later added: “Sorry to everyone who has brought tickets to see us at LOVEBOX we have been removed with no valid explanation.”
Later, Harvey continued his Twitter rant – highlighting the bands past and current musical achievements. “We sell out the indigo! we are doing the 02 arena, we gave artist careers and they still treat us like c****. So solid crew is a scapegoat for the industry some conspiracy ting KMT.
“Platinum albums Brit awards & Mobos endless top tens and this is how Great Britain repay us #f***you #Stereotype.”
He later on suggested that the artist to blame for the bands drop from the Lovebox line-up will be revealed. “People will find out who the artist is. And when I see them I will confront them personally Face value g.”
So Solid Crew’s member Mega Man also Tweeted: “We will be issuing and press release and naming the act/artist who was brought to our attention.”
A spokesperson for Harvey has spoken out however, since the news broke, claiming the group were dropped because the Victoria Park venue was too small for the number of expected attendees.
He stated: “The demand for So Solid Crew fans and the the number of punters at Lovebox (30,000 plus) is too much for the venue. The boys do feel victimised slightly but we are one of four acts who has also been given the same information so it was a amicable decision. We hope the fans have a safe day and enjoy the show.”
Currently, representatives for Lovebox are unavailable to comment on the situation.
So Solid Crew is set to perform at the 02 Arena, and a series of other venues across the UK in October later this year.
Founded in 2002 by DJs Groove Armada, Lovebox, which starts today, prides itself as one of the few musical festivals in London to showcase an eclectic range of fresh, innovative musical talent.
This year some of the acts are:
AZEALIA BANKS: Friday July 19
Harlem born rapper, singer and songwriter Azealia Banks is set to rock Lovebox with her whimsical lyrics and earth shaking baseline beats. Popularly known for her most commercially successful song to date ‘212’, be prepared to listen to an array of potential future hit records from Banks.
“I can’t wait to play Lovebox. I love UK crowds so it’s going to be amazing to play a festival in London” says Banks.
MARK RONSON: Saturday July 20
Despite his international musical success as a triple time Grammy Award Winner, top producer and DJ, Mark Ronson is back to liven up the crowd of Lovebox with his trademark sound of electronic/pop music.
KELIS: Sunday July 21
Famously known for her hit song ‘Milkshake’ produced by The Neptunes, the fun loving, energetic Kelis returns back to Lovebox. Mixing her love for Electronic music with infectious dance/R&B beats, Kelis is sure to be the pioneer of spirit and life at Lovebox.
Other artists set to perform at the event are Annie Mac, Breach, D’angelo, Moko, Luke Howard, Lil Kim and Purity Ring.
For a full list of artists and ticket bookings visit the Lovebox website: http://mamacolive.com/lovebox/
Tickets for the event start from £39.50.
Lovebox 2013 is also set to host an after party sponsored by Russian Standard Vodka. The event will be hosted on Saturday July 20, 9pm-6am at Oval Space, Bethnal Green.
