The NYPD Creates “Rap Unit” Designed To Target Artists And Monitor Crime At Hip Hop Shows

The New York Police Department has launched an operations group that will monitor crime specifically at Hip Hop concerts.

The NYPD has launched its new operations group, called the “Rap Unit,” which will work on-the-ground through the department’s Enterprise Operations Unit. According to sources, the team will create a list of weekly upcoming rap shows, which will be categorized based off low, medium, or high risk for violence or drug-related incidents. Afterwards, police will be assigned to work the events undercover to gather intelligence on individuals and artists they have on their watch list.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

Most recently, cops were planted at #RemyMa’s show at the Irving Plaza back in March 2018. At the time, they were spying on Remy herself and another member of her group Jahmeek “Jah” Elliot. Other artists included are #50Cent and #Tekashi6ix9ine. But, in response, Remy’s lawyer, Dawn Florio, is calling out the police for their prejudice move. “My impression of the hip-hop police is they’re this shadowy, specialized unit that conducts overly aggressive investigations.” She added, “They’re constantly stalking high-profile rap artists and monitoring their every move.”

However, NYPD spokeswoman Sgt. Jessica McRorie is defending the unit’s purpose, claiming it does not discriminate against rap. “The Enterprise Operations Unit focuses on venues or entertainers that have been connected with past acts of violence — regardless of musical genre. The primary goal of EOU is to anticipate, based on past incidents, where there is a significant likelihood of violence, and to take steps to prevent people from being hurt, or worse,” she explained. She continued to credit the unit for its contribution to a number of major prosecutions, saying that it “continues to gather additional intelligence by responding to shootings and assaults that may occur at all kinds of entertainment venues.”

Thoughts?