Macklemore Withdrawn from Neon City Festival in Las Vegas After Controversial Anti-America Chant

On September 24, 2024, the organizers of the Neon City Festival in Las Vegas revealed an updated lineup poster that no longer includes Macklemore. In their announcement regarding the festival set for November 2024, the organizers stated:

“Macklemore will no longer be performing due to unforeseen circumstances.”

While the festival organizers did not provide a detailed explanation for Macklemore’s removal, fans speculate that it may stem from his recent comments about America.

According to Variety, the rapper, known for his hit “Thrift Shop,”performed at the Palestine Will Live Forever Festival in Seattle, Washington, on September 21, 2024. During this performance, he reportedly expressed his disdain by saying “F*ck America,”leading to videos of his controversial remarks going viral. This incident has fueled speculation among fans that his removal from the festival lineup was a direct consequence of his provocative statement.

Macklemore Mentions Kamala Harris in Hind’s Hall 2

The sequel to Macklemore’s album Hind’s Hall was released on September 21, 2024, featuring collaborations with Palestinian artists. Hind’s Hall 2 includes contributions from Gaza-born rapper MC Abdul, Palestinian-American singer Anees, and Palestinian-American author and comedian Amer Zahr.

The track also features choral contributions from Tiffany Wilson, Lifted! Youth Gospel Choir, and the LA Palestinian Kids Choir. Macklemore’s latest creation is named after Columbia University’s ‘Hamilton’s Hall,’ which was renamed to Hind’s Hall by pro-Palestinian student activists in honor of Hind Rajab, a child who tragically lost her life in Gaza due to Israeli forces in February 2024.

Furthermore, the lyrics of this new track mention Vice President Kamala Harris and touch upon the Uncommitted National Movement—a protest that seeks to pressure President Joe Biden and Vice President Harris to support a ceasefire in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict and to halt U.S. arms shipments to Israel.

Macklemore’s lyrics highlight this message:

“Hey Kamala, I don’t know if you’re listening/ But stop sending money and weapons or you ain’t winning Michigan/ We uncommitted, and hell no we ain’t switching positions.”

In a show of solidarity for Palestine, Macklemore also canceled his upcoming concert in Dubai, which was scheduled for October 4, 2024. On August 24, 2024, he expressed on Instagram that he had received numerous requests to cancel the show in solidarity with Sudan, given the UAE’s reported involvement in the humanitarian crisis in that region.

Elaborating on his decision, Macklemore stated:

“It was important for me to learn and really get a grasp on the situation. I never want to make a decision out of fear but a measured one from the heart.”

He further mentioned that accepting payment for the concert felt morally wrong, asserting that it would not align with the values he has been advocating against. In closing, he reinforced that his overall message continues to be one of love.

In related news, Macklemore announced that all proceeds from the track Hind’s Hall 2 will be donated to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).

Dedicated to raising awareness in support of Palestine, the rapper has been actively sharing posts across his social media platforms.

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