Houston rapper Trae Tha Truth will hold a press conference on Wednesday morning at 11:00 am announcing his decision to sue Texas radio station 97.9 KBXX, The Box, and its owner Radio One. The suit claims that the station banned his music unfairly, and is damaging his industry relationships.
The ban came after morning show radio host Nnete Inyangumia asserted that Trae’s music played a role in causing violence at a public festival in Houston. Trae, who engaged in an on-air disagreement with Inyangumia, would later go on to write lyrics on his mixtape about Inyangumia’s weight. The rapper believes that’s what really sparked the ban.
“I would not have filed a lawsuit, but when other people started being hurt by this ban, I knew I had to stand up,” Trae explained. Trae’s camp claims that one KBXX staff member was suspended for a week and a half without pay for playing Trae’s music. The staff member allegedly broke his relationship with the rapper. The suit also notes other business relationships that have been damaged because of the ban.
Rap-A-Lot Records CEO, James Prince said, “I had been excited about being involved with the next Trae album, but with this ban taking place, not only in his hometown, but likely also in the second best place for airplay, which is Dallas, it would be impossible to promote the album. This ban is sabotaging his career, because those cities are the foundation for breaking his records.”
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Trae is suing for general damages to his reputation, character, standing in the community, mental suffering, loss of professional opportunities, performance revenue, and record royalties. “I just could not let any more people suffer and be punished by the radio station over this ridiculous vendetta,” said Trae.
A preliminary hearing is set for May 14.
