Rapper's city concert comes under fire

by Katarina Williams and Kelly Makiha news@dailypost.co.nz | 13th July 2009

Rotorua police and a local graffiti artist are disappointed a concert in the city by Los Angeles-based rapper and former jail inmate The Game is going ahead.

The Game, whose real name is Jayceon Terrell Taylor, pleaded no contest to a felony charge of possession of a firearm in a school zone last year. He was sentenced to 60 days in jail, 150 hours' community service and three years' probation.

A former drug dealer, he has family ties to the West Coast's gang underworld. His father was a prominent member of The Crips, while his older brother was a member of rival gang The Bloods.

Rotorua graffiti artist Anthony Haines has raised concerns over The Game's visit and questioned the rapper's suitability as a role model for local youth.

"I think he pursues a negative energy to the youth," the 25-year-old said. "I am not anti-The Game but the [recent] shooting up on Clayton Rd ... I guess those messages can influence those kinds of actions.

"I feel there are better role models to be brought out to Rotorua to make a change to those negative messages coming through."

Mr Haines' sentiments were echoed by Rotorua police area Commander Bruce Horne, who said it was unfortunate the rapper was booked to perform here.

"I understand concerns of a lot of people. We know from experience having these sorts of performers is not helpful in terms of community safety. His message is a very bad one. He is certainly not someone I would be promoting as a role model for our young people. In fact, he is quite the opposite. He encourages them to get themselves into trouble."

Mr Horne confirmed a special police operation would be galvanised and extra staff would be on hand on the concert date of Saturday, August 15.

Mr Horne did not want to go into detail about what the operation would involve, other than to say police would plan a response to "mitigate the risk".

 When asked if police had expressed their concerns to the council for allowing the concert to come to Rotorua, Mr Horne did not want to comment.

"We have a good working relationship with the council and we do talk about these things."

Australian-based tour director Josaiah Ofapu described the rapper as a "positive role model for youth". He said The Game would make at least one high school visit while in New Zealand.