Panic on the Streets of Belltown
Why Local Rapper Fatal Lucciauno Was Booted from the New Crocodile's First Hiphop Show
FATAL LUCCIAUNO Shot down by the Croc.
Tools
The first hiphop show scheduled at the recently rehabilitated Crocodile, a record-release party for Dyme Def's outstanding new Panic EP, already has a dark cloud hanging over it. On Saturday, April 11, Dyme Def's managers, Benito and Josh Berman of promotions company Soul Gorilla, received an e-mail from Crocodile booker Eli Anderson informing them that local rapper Fatal Lucciauno would be removed from the event (he was scheduled for a 15- to 20-minute onstage appearance). There were three possible, and not mutually exclusive, reasons for this: One, Fatal's raps are on the gangsta tip of things; two, he has a criminal record (he was convicted two years ago in a drive-by shooting in which no one was injured); and three, he opened for a hiphop show at Chop Suey that ended in bullets, blood, and a corpse.
Fatal is dogged by the fact that, on that night he performed at Chop Suey, a gunman opened fire into the club, killing one man, MC 29-E, and wounding two, Trama and 1st Black Prez—although, according to his manager, DeVon Manier of Sportn' Life Records, Fatal was long gone by the time the bullets started to fly. On Wednesday, April 15, Manier was informed of the Croc's decision, and though disheartened, he was not at all surprised. It was not the first time his artist had been banned from a venue or removed from a lineup. "Since the shooting, it's been tough," he says.
Stranger Personals
There is a sad irony in all of this. Chop Suey—the scene of a crime that has negatively impacted the hiphop community since January—played a central role in establishing the unprecedented healthy hiphop climate Seattle has enjoyed for the past half decade. It was the first rock venue to seriously open its doors to venue-starved hiphop artists. Indeed, Kerri Harrop, who does marketing for the Crocodile, had a hand in making that opening possible. While the booker at Chop Suey in 2002, she and Marcus Lalario (the current owner of the War Room) started Yo, Son!, a weekly hiphop event whose DJs and promoters deliberately mixed rock with hiphop. Following the success of Yo, Son! came a series of important hiphop shows (Common Market at Neumos, Dyme Def at Vera Project, Blue Scholars at Showbox) that eventually collapsed the wall between indie hiphop and indie rock venues.
This was the big difference between the '90s and the '00s. In the '90s, local rappers simply opened for big national acts. In the '00s, local acts began opening for local acts. As Jonathan Moore of Big Tune and Jasiri Media Group often points out, before Chop Suey and other Capitol Hill venues began regularly booking local rap shows in 2004, there was almost no place for local rappers to perform in this town. And this shortage not only meant no visibility but also no income. The community had little or no access to the financial infrastructure that's needed to sustain a scene and its artists and businessmen.
"This is what I do to keep paying the bills," said Benito of Soul Gorilla over the phone. "I don't have any other job. This is it. So it is very important that a venue like the Crocodile books our shows." Benito did not want Fatal removed from the bill, but he also wants to maintain a good relationship with the Croc and booker Anderson (who, by the way, did not respond to calls or e-mail).
In a letter sent out to the public on April 18, the management at the Croc stated: "[We are] not judging Fatal Lucciauno for his past mistakes, and we understand that history can be a difficult thing to overcome. It is regrettable that the decision to drop him from the bill had to be made when, really, a candid conversation could have probably cleared the whole thing up." Soul Gorilla's Benito and Berman missed an arranged meeting with Anderson on Thursday, April 9, a week after they submitted their lineup for the show, which Harrop says cost them an opportunity to participate and possibly influence the decision about Fatal Lucciauno.
"I don't want people to be afraid of me," says Fatal over the phone. "I'm just telling you about myself—this is how it happened, and this is why I did what I did. I don't want to go back to being homeless again. I don't want to go to prison again. I don't. So pray for me, and help me—that's what I'm about. I'm not Jay-Z, saying crime pays. I don't have naked ladies walking across the videos. That is not me. I rap about the effects of guns, jail, and HIV on a young man's life."
Indeed, the theme that dominates Fatal's hiphop is not the worship of the gangsta lifestyle but the documentation of the poverty that leads a man into that way of life. Track after track, he describes the grim realities of being dirt-poor in one of the richest cities of the world. And when he performs, the most powerful moments are when he is expressing these harsh realities directly. He wants you to feel and see it.
And despite this mess, Fatal wants to make sure you can see and feel hiphop at the Crocodile, beginning this weekend with Dyme Def—that is what is most important.
"I don't care about being removed from the show," he says. "I just
want them to keep the door open for other hiphop artists. You see,
Seattle's hiphop community is the most close-knit community I have ever
seen. Though we all come from different walks of life, we all pretty
much depend on each other to keep things going. So if a place regularly
books shows for even some of us, it is good for all of us. That is how
close we are. As long as the Crocodile supports local hiphop, I support
the Crocodile." ![]()
The read say he was "booted" as if there was a specific reason and thats even more of a kick in the teeth for the artist?
The Drama was old news not relevant and he was not booted as he was canceld
Guys,
People in this provincial town are too afraid to be anything other than bend-over-back-ass-wards Politically Correct, at all times, sorry.
It really is OK to come out and admit (oh, the horror of it!) that some Black people really do cause problems, commit crimes, attract the criminal element, & don't "represent" their own kind up to par, sorry!
Erm, like the two THUGS who killed (murdered!, so they should have been tried as adults would have been) the dearly beloved "Tuba Man", for starters.
Apparently this Fatal Dude attracts trouble. He's menacing. He has a troubled, criminal past. His music is rife with lyrics that might incite violence. His "handle" is meant to intimidate.
Soooo ... duh-uhhh, why book him, and take the risk of future problems occurring, at the next venue at which he plays?
His music is Gangsta, he's an ex Con who attracts others of his ilk to want to be around him, and create ruckuses.
(I am not understanding why people are defending his being given one more chance)
The fact that this young man got given the boot, seems to me to have arisen from logic and nothing more sinister & nefarious, as your article implies, Mr. Mudede.
I'm sorry but the mere "racism" excuse cannot be applied to each and every instance where minority folk are justifiably banned from playing places.
And just because this IS Seattle does NOT mean that everyone must put up with everyone and everything at every damn time, either!
It really is OK to have standards in place, and to include (or exclude!) based upon people's proven ability to meet said standards.
We ALL do this.
Do not try and pretend that this does not happen, even here.
We all make rational choices.
We all can think, rationally based upon precedent.
Thank you for reading this comment.
I read The Stranger. Along with The Weekly, I rely on it to give me sound and sage advice on films to attend & places to chow down.
Also, how did the lineup get announced and flyers printed before this was addressed? The Croc included Fatal in two email newsletters before pulling him off, seems like they should have immediately addressed their concern if they feel it's that big of a threat. I also don't like that they booked the Dyme Def party as the first hip-hop show they were throwing, then turned around and did a random free Blue Scholars show the Sunday before it. Not the most ideal way to attract future hip-hop events. I do understand they are re-branding the new space and it is better to be safe than sorry, just think it could have been handled a little better.
I would never employ someone who is a liability like this guy and I don't know why the Crocodile should be any different. Just because he is an artist doesn't mean it's ok that he was involved in a drive by shooting, where "no one was injured". WHO FUCKING CARES IF NO ONE WAS INJURED!!! IT WAS A FUCKING DRIVE BY SHOOTING!!!!! You think they did it for the fun of shooting guns, assuming no one would get hurt and if they did they could claim "oh that wasn't my fault.. I was just drive by shootin' and they got in the way.. my bad"..???
I get that no one wants to stereo type the hip hop scene in Seattle with violence that leads to a witch hunt and the destruction of an artistic expression, not to mention, the artistic expression of a segment of our community that absolutely needs to be heard.. However, if the dude in question is an ex-con, linked to a prior show where someone was fucking KILLED (lets not forget that a person died at chop suey and their family and friends still deal with that to this day long after we've closed our Strangers and forgotten all about it) then we should be less surprised when they get denied a show somewhere and taken off a bill.
but....
Did we ever even hear from the Croc about this?? or are we all just making shit up and writing articles about it?? is that news?? To here a guy was taken off a bill, draw your own conclusions and write an article about it?? Pretty irresponsible journalism...
by the by.. if he doesn't "want people to be afraid" of him why is he driving a car and shooting guns out of them. I mean, that's pretty fucking scary.....
Also when is Seattle hip hop going to have its own sound? I've seen everything from West Coast gangster wanna-be's (this aint L.A.) to people with damn near New York accents to people who if I didn't know grew up on the Eastside could swear they were from Houston or Atlanta. Come one people bring some original shit and get some original names (not some 1992 Wu Tang rip off).
3) If we persecuted every artist that has done something heinous or criminal in their past we would have not ever been familiar with many great musicians (think about it for a sec) 4) It's clear Fatal had nothing to do with the Chop Suey incident. He was in the wrong place at the wrong time. The people responsible for that crime have been arrested. It's in the public records. Point blank the man is a great talent, and deserves the support of his city, and fellow music industry people. I'm sure everyone would support Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, Sebastian Bach, or your precious Kurt Cobain who sensationalized drug use.
1. No. I have never had a friend or relative who has done something "criminal minded" and stupid, like being involved in gangserism and drive-by shootings. That kind of thing is not a "mistake". That is a "choice". A "mistake" is when you hit your thumb while hammering nails or when you make a wrong turn, etc.
Drive-by shootings are CHOICES, bad ones, and I reserve the right to hold anyone involved in drive-by shootings as being a stupid asshole at minimum, and a potentially dangerous and violent stupid asshole, FOR THE REST OF HIS LIFE.
2. So fucking what. I don't give a shit what someone's excuse or "reason" is for being a violent stupid asshole. The fact that they are a violent stupid asshole is all I need to know about them and they can all fuck off and die.
3. Most of the "art" and "music" you are describing SUCKS anyway, unless you mean Caravaggio, in which case he has been dead for hundreds of years and cannot be "persecuted".
4. Don't care. The guy is a proven stupid violent asshole and I will consider him as such for the rest of his stupid violent asshole life.
coming from a 2 time vet from afghanistan-thats 11bravo baby
boydazz
coming from a 2 time vet from afghanistan-thats 11bravo baby
boydazz
Christ, the standards for 10th Mtn have dropped.
And doing two tours in the 'stan don't mean shit in the context of this story, you pogue.
3/75th Rng Btnn BOYYYEEEE (God, is that what stupidity feels like?)
While it sucks for this artist to not get booking at the Crocodile, it is the venue's right to cancel, drop or otherwise alter their line up even if it last minute. And maybe Fatal could use a little DIY ethic. And maybe the booking agent should learn to return calls from journalists.
So while Fatal may be 'spittin knowledge from the slums' and the booking agent at the Croc may not be 'from the slums' you fail to recognize that this may be from pressure from the insurance company covering the liability for the Croc. Just a possibility.
Insurance companies could give a rats ass about an artists "lines" or "dope beats".
But yea, let us turn this into another BS ethnic division like the poster above wants so badly to make this into.
All this whining about A (ONE) drive by shooting coming from idiots that probably bump Snoop because he's crossed over and infected your dumb asses with his GANGSTER RAP - but you'll play his music, say his stupid ass phrases (i.e. = "forshizzle" or what ever "izzle" that makes you feel part of something 'cool'), and most importantly look past his LONG CRIMINAL RECORD - oh & by the way he was just recently as of yesterday in court for assault & wasn't he on trail for MURDER??
FUCK OFF you stupid fucktards, shut the fuck up, keep bumpin your Snoop & whining about a talented artist who is less offensive then some of you dumb asses. I'm riding with @The Life & @Fuck The Croc
LONG LIVE FATAL LUCCIAUNO
Do you guys realize how many cops, judges, guidance counselors and social workers were troubled youth that committed crimes, violent acts etc and are know the ones we trust our children with. It's because having seen the darker side of things, these people, like Fatal have great things to contribute in teaching others about life.
becuase you couldnt get the job done-think you need some SAS TRAINING ranger boy!lol more like recycle boy!
you know crocodile didnt respond because they were looking for any excuse to cancel his performance and jumped at what appears to be a petty one at best.
@ seattle - please grow up, stop whining because your parents never got you that brand new jeep cherokee for graduation and learn to walk down the street without thinking everything dark can hurt you. God Bless
Yes I know what its like to have made mistakes or have family that has made mistakes. All of the above. Im a felon. Both my brothers are felons. We ALL know we pretty much have to explain our past to potential clients or people that will pay us. The Croc owners specifically said Fatal Lou could've saved himself by returning a phone call. All criminal history aside thats just a dumb move when you're looking to get paid.
Fed up Too, shut the fu@#k up! Its people like you that cause some kid to make a MISTAKE go to jail and learn how to become a REAL criminal get out with no rehabilitation and commit real crimes. But just so we're clear I dont consider a drive by a mistake either.
Fuck the Croc...fuck you and your token BLACKNESS. Hip Hop wouldn't exist in the form you see it today without white people. Yo Son was the dopest hip hop club that Seattle has ever seen. Thank the white people who started it. Fatal Lou could've cleared everything by answering a fucking phone call. Hmm no wonder he used to be homeless. So take your racist card and shove it up your ass. A black man is President. The black man is tryin to hold me down. Im white yall cause Im white yall and Im wiggity white cause Im white yall. If you don't know what that's from you are not black.
The shooting at CS was not because of the performer per se but more because of who the performers drew to be in attendance. He could renounce Huckleberry Ice Cream as far as I'm concerned, if he still draws people who want to shoot each other he needs to take a time out and rethink his business plan.
@ Huckleberry Ice Cream. It might be hard for you to grasp, but the crowd the evening of the Chop Suey shooting was not Fatal's crowd. Sure he may have had a few fans there. But please understand that the promoter is usually the one responsible for the crowd. Where they target and who they pick to headline are major factors. Also an all gangster rap bill and not being aware of that was a major mistake on the promoters part. I am in charge of most of Fatal Lucciauno's marketing and trust me he is marketed to the same target demographic as most of the cities more successful rap artist, such as Grayskul, Cancer Rising, Dyme Def, The Let Go, Neema, Blue Scholars, Common Market etc. Not to mention D.Black and Spaceman who are also on my label. So, yeah, he does not draw a crowd that wants to shoot each other, no we will not be rethinking his business plan anytime soon.
@ Bluefunk...the lifestyle really? you should get out more and not watch so much television.
Some of you obviously don't understand an artist like this or where he comes from. That's fine, I'm too old to fight that battle. been there done that. But if you are open minded, then take a listen to Fatal's music or check him out on youtube. Sure SOME of his music he deals with street life, why wouldn't he, it's where he comes from. If you appreciate good music, a good story and poetry then check him out. I guarantee you you will put him the light of a Nas, or Tupac. The man truly does have a great presence. Not to down any other so called "gangster rap" artist in town, but Fatal's music, and his label's continuous hard work are the reasons why he is asked to be on KEXP Audioasis, it's why he graced the cover of SOUND magazine, It's why he was asked to perform at the famous " Songs for Eating & Drinking" and filmed by Chase Jarvis, http://www.songsforeatinganddrinking.com… It's why Comon Market and Blue scholars pull him on stage when they see him, it's why you can see him at this years Capitol Hill Block Party (sat 25th 10:30 on the Neumos stage), it's why your commenting on him now. Get it. You see Fatal is an important part of Seattle's music scene, the same scene you favorite indie rock band is a part of. He stands out and apart from the so called "gangster rappers" in town. Get used to it, you will be hearing and seeing a lot more of Fatal Lucciauno. He might even be on a show with your favorite rock band. Wouldn't that be great!! Oh and BTW He rocked the Crocodile on Saturday night and helped close the show and the Crocodile now loves him.
It was already one of the best possible lineups you could put together in the 206 til Y'ALL fucked it up. NOW you on Fatal's dick. Y'all ain't slick. Seattle hip hop sees what you did there. FAKE ASS MOTHAFUCKAS.
LONG LIVE FATAL LUCCIAUNO THE GREAT
Insurance. The Croc, having just opened, would like to stay open. I think local artists, who -need- venues, would like it to stay open too. People who run a venue like this have to walk a fine line between encouraging art and keeping the numbers in order. I would hazard a guess that many of the commenters in this blog have never organized anything in their lives and therefore have little perspective on what it takes to keep a club going.
Boycott the Croc? I'm sorry,but that is clearly missing the point. Get at the deeper roots of why this happened. Understand the problem before going on your witch hunt.
Ps. To the people who said they want to judge this guy as a criminal for the rest of his life, despite the time he's served: what did Christ say about 'throwing the first stone....'?
PPs. "Seattle hip hop sees what you did there." Yes they did - they saw a hard decision taken in the face of controversy. Your comment is just an easy dig at people trying to make something good. It's a stab in the back to people you should be supporting. The shame is on you.
Long live hip-hop.







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