Pop newcomer Willa Ford can be as bad as she wants, but the organizers of the pending Pro-Voice concert in New York's Central Park apparently don't want to take a chance on Royce Da 5'9".
Detroit rapper Royce, who performs with Ford on "I Wanna Be Bad" from Ford's debut album, Willa Was Here (July 17, Atlantic), has been touring with Ford and was scheduled to appear with her Thursday (July 19) at the New York City event, officially known as the Pantene Pro-Voice Finalist Concert.
However, according to Royce's management, the event's sponsor, Pantene hair care products, felt that the rapper would bring "the wrong element" to the show, and he has been told to stay home. The move has the rapper and his handlers up in arms.
"This is another indictment and generalization of a music form that is both a vital and valid part of the arts," noted a management spokesperson in an email. "To consider rap 'the wrong element' is narrow-minded and ignorant. Royce Da 5'9" has performed many times with Willa Ford, much to the delight of both of their fans. They're showing unity and common ground transcending musical styles, race, and gender."
Ford, former girlfriend of Backstreet Boys' Nick Carter, is a Pantene spokesperson and model. The show is also scheduled to feature an acoustic set by Jewel and performances from five female songwriting contest finalists in their teens or early twenties who will compete for prizes including demo contracts, tour opportunities, bursaries, and a new car.
Meanwhile, Royce, who's best known for his past collaborations with home town buddy Eminem, drops his first single Aug. 16 from the forthcoming album Rock City, which includes Eminem on the title track.