Block Starz Music Announces Waffle House Protest Rally In Atlanta

In response to the controversy surrounding recording artist J.R. Bricks' debut single "After The Club" (formerly "Waffle House"), the rapper's label will stage a mini-rally on August 28. 

 

German-American digital imprint Block Starz Music LLC, www.blockstarzmusic.com, has reached out to Russell Simmons' Hip-Hop Summit Action Network and veteran Atlanta entertainment attorney Kendall Minter to help organize a peaceful demonstration to protest cultural discrimination and show the economic solidarity of the Hip-Hop community in light of a cease and desist letter issued by the Waffle House restaurant chain which claimed trademark infringement over use of its name and logo.

Waffle House's legal action sparked controversy and national headlines earlier this month, prompting  a company spokesperson to deny allegations of discrimination in Billboard saying Waffle House "embraces all cultures" and point to the chain's involvement in films starring T.I. and Queen Latifah.

"This rally isn't about racial discrimination," says Block Starz Music President and Co-Founder Bayer Mack, who declined offers to involve civil rights advocates like Al Sharpton and the NAACP. "It isn't even really about Waffle House. It's about recognizing and respecting Hip-Hop's economic impact."

Some in the Hip-Hop community, however, have sided with Waffle House in the controversy, including producer Just Blaze and rapper Killer Mike, who tweeted "Waffle House Loves Ni**as in Atlanta".

In addition to the rally, J.R. Bricks will also be shooting the official music video for "After The Club", with cameos expected by Gucci Mane, Waka Flocka, Lex Luger, DJ Sense, DJ Scream, and Drumma Boy among others. The video shoot, which was intended to be held on location at an area Waffle House, has been moved to The Atrium in Stone Mountain, GA (5479 Memorial Drive) and now centers around a fictional restaurant called "Waffle Place", with original set design and waitress uniforms.

"We're really excited about the director's vision," says Mack, who describes the concept as a cross between Snoop Dogg's "Gin & Juice" and Public Enemy's "Fight The Power" music videos. "We want to encourage the Atlanta Hip-Hop community, and youth culture at large, to come and show support."

Video Times and Location

PLACE: The Atrium
DATE: August 28
TIME: 2pm - 8pm
ADDRESS: 5479 Memorial Drive
Stone Mountain, GA 30083-3247

 Download "After The Club" On iTunes Now