Odd Future Denied Entry To NZ

Odd Future was denied entry to New Zealand Feb. 13 with officials saying the rap group is a potential threat to public order “for several reasons.”

Photo: John Davisson
The Ritz Ybor, Tampa, Fla.

The California hip-hop group was to join the Eminem-headlined Rapture festival at Auckland’s at Western Springs Stadium Feb. 15.

According to reports, Tyler The Creator, Hodgy Beats, Domo Genesis, Left Brain, Mike G and Taco Bennett were on their way to LAX airport when informed their visas had been withdrawn.

In a statement, Immigration New Zealand explained they were “deemed to be a potential threat to public order and the public interest for several reasons, including incidents at past performances in which they have incited violence.”

The act was added to Rapture’s New Zealand show at the last minute after Kendrick Lamar pulled out citing a “scheduling conflict.”

Odd Future was only added for New Zealand.

Lamar will join Rapture’s Australian dates next week. As soon as the New Zealand odd Future appearance was announced, sexual violence advocacy group Stop Demand emailed Auckland councilors complaining of the rap group’s lyrics.

Founder Denise Ritchie said, “It is in Melbourne Feb. 19.

It heads to Brisbane’s  Feb. 20 and winds up at Sydney’s  Feb. 22.

Aside from Lamar, the Eminem-curated bill includes J. Cole, Queens MC Action Bronson, and Australian rappers 360 and .