Music

Big K.R.I.T. may be charging people to open for him

by Mark Teo

October 2, 2014

“Please only contact if you have an offer, and can afford to buy on to the show or tour."

As many up-and-coming bands know, pay-to-play shows aren’t exactly a new concept in music. In Canada, organizations like Supernova organize battle of the bands, where bands “earn” playing time by selling tickets. Sonicbids, a system used by large-scale festivals like Canadian Music Week and North by Northeast, has been criticized as a pay-to-play scam. The concept has even been explored for musicians wanting to play the Super Bowl halftime.

Still, pay-to-play concerts are usually associated with small-time promoters looking to scam thirsty, young musicians. That is, until Big K.R.I.T. became involved.

A posting circulating around around Craigslist is allegedly asking artists to pay to open for the “Mt. Olympus” rapper for his upcoming tour dates. We’re not sure if it’s genuine—it’s riddled with typos—but the dates listed on the ad line up with K.R.I.T.’s current dates, including his October 10 date in Toronto. The ad, linked to a Georgia area code and a promoter named Rob Cohen, claims that by paying an undisclosed amount, you’ll receive 30 free tickets, five all-access-passes, 30 minutes on stage, and the all-important chance to get—you got it—exposure.

“This is a great opportunity to grow your fanbase, market your album or single, or just to meet and rub shoulders with bigger artists and industry people,” the ad mentions.

This much is true: You can’t pay your rent with exposure.

Further, the ad is strangely aggressive, asking for a sample song, the date you wish to play, and, of course, your bid for the opening slot. “Only contact us if you are prepared to work hard, be onetime [sic] and be professional,” it says. “Please only contact if you have an offer, and can afford to buy on to the show or tour. Feel free to make an offer for the remaining dates, or multiple dates. THIS IS FOR SERIOUS ACTS ONLY, PLEASE DO NOT CONTACT US ASKING FOR FAVORS!”

Um, alright. Check the ad in its full skeezy glory below.