Rapper Immortal Technique Arrested: Allegedly Assaulted Vendor During People's Champion Tour
On Thursday, the Los Angeles Times reported Immortal Technique was arrested and released for an incident that took place in the venue of his People's Champion tour. Police reports say Technique had allegedly attacked street vendors for selling shirts with his likeness and trademark on them without his approval.
Also reportedly arrested at the scene was Technique's tour manager and emcee Steven McDaniel. McDaniel, along with about a dozen others, confronted the street vendor. His tour manager allegedly went a step further and even tried to dissuade witnesses.
"The group confronted them over a dispute that the group was not receiving any money from the sales of the T-shirts," police told the Los Angeles Times. "The victims stated they were beaten and had their T-shirts, cash and cellphones forcibly taken from them."
Ever the consummate professional though, Technique has continued his People's Champion tour that he co-headlines with Talib Kweli without a hitch. What's even more astounding was the night of Technique's arrest, Technique had to complete the set in order to avoid rioting from the crowd.
Next up for the People's Champion tour in April is the House of Blues in New Orleans, Masquerade in Atlanta Georgia, Baltimore Soundstage in Baltimore and the Paradise Rock Club in Boston. Probably the most emotional show for Technique, however, will be his return home to New York when he takes the stage on the Highline Ballroom April 14. It's special in that the Highline is only a few miles away from where he grew up in Harlem.
Since the incident, Technique has not made an official statement. He has taken to Twitter though to thank fans for supporting him.
Technique is a veteran of the rap game and fans know him as a powerful lyricist. His lyrical prowess is so sharp that Complex Magazine stated his song Dance with the Devil is the tenth most violent hip-hop song of all-time.