KANYE WEST BANNED FROM SLOVAK FESTIVAL AFTER HEIL HITLER OUTCRY
Europe’s Hip‑Hop Hang‑Out Cancelled Over Kanye West’s Nazi‑Song
Kanye West’s controversial track “Heil Hitler” sparked a firestorm that forced Slovakia’s most‑visited urban hip‑hop festival to ditch its headline act. The Rubicon festival, slated from July 18‑20 for West’s only confirmed European show this year, was called off after a petition gathered thousands of critics.
“Heil Hitler” Hits 80th WWII Anniversary
West, who has officially shortened his name to “Ye,” dropped “Heil Hitler” on May 8, honoring the 80th anniversary of Germany’s defeat in World War II. The 80‑minute track ends with a stark clip from an Adolf Hitler speech, a move that analysts described as “openly and repeatedly adopting symbols and ideologies linked to modern history’s darkest period.”
Political Patronage Behind the Pitch
West’s outspoken support for former U.S. President Donald Trump added another layer of controversy. The artist has earned 24 Grammy Awards, yet his recent public rants have increasingly been described as antisemitic and hate‑filled.
Petition Stages Protest
When the festival organizers announced West would appear at Rubicon, protest organizers launched a petition. They pointed out that the rapper “repeatedly and openly” clings to symbols associated with the Nazi regime. Thousands signed the petition, arguing that the festival’s partnership with West sparked moral and creative conflict.
Festival’s Response
On Wednesday, the Rubicon festival’s Instagram account posted a statement: “The decision to cancel the event was due to media pressure and the withdrawal of several artists and partners.” The organizers emphasized that the cancellation was not simply a direct result of the rapper’s appearance, but rather a broader artistic and corporate shift.
Other Artists Canceled West’s Visa in Australia
Australia’s immigration office revoked West’s visa on July 2 after the release of “Heil Hitler.” The duo, including West’s Australian wife Bianca Censori, had a unique dynamic on the track, rapping about a custody battle with ex‑wife Kim Kardashian before the song ends with an extract from Hitler’s speech.
- US rappers Offset and Sheck Wes were scheduled to share top billing with West.
- West’s Australian wife, Bianca Censori, is a standout personality in the listeners’ crowd.
Rubicon’s Vision Shifts
Rubicon styled itself as “the central European country’s premiere hip‑hop hang‑out.” The festival was set to run July 18‑20. After the cancellation, the festival’s organizers quietly communicated that they had made the decision due to “media pressure and the withdrawal of several artists and partners.” They declined to offer further explanations.
Final Thoughts
With a festival canceled, a visa revoked, and a headline artist extinguished by a single controversial tweet, Europe’s hip‑hop community will struggle to find a clear path forward as the story of Kanye West’s “Heil Hitler” fades into the annals of year‑longized cancellation.
