Local promoter sues over canceled rap concerts

By KELLYN BROWN, Chronicle Staff Writer

A local promoter sued a California company earlier this month, alleging he lost more than $30,000 when a handful of hip-hop artists canceled a show he sponsored in 2004.

Josh Perkins, owner of Justus Hip Hop Emporium, filed the complaint in Gallatin County District Court on March 22. He accused JL Entertainment Inc. of breach of contract, fraud and slander.

"I'm just trying to get my money back," Perkins said in an interview Wednesday. "I'm not asking for millions."

The lawsuit stems from a hip-hop concert scheduled for spring 2004 that never happened.

Perkins had lined up rappers Warren G and Nate Dogg through JL Entertainment Inc. to play the Valley Ice Garden in March of that year.

He said he paid a $3,500 deposit to reserve the act, but the rappers apparently had a scheduling conflict and the show was canceled. He said that money wasn't returned.

The two sides then worked out a deal to bring Westside Connection, featuring actor/rapper Ice Cube, to the Garden. Perkins said he paid an additional $21,500 to JL Entertainment to reserve the act.

Just weeks before the concert, however, Ice Cube -- the lead member and most recognizable face in the group -- left the band.

Perkins alleged that JL Entertainment pressured him to continue with the show and hide the fact that Ice Cube wouldn't be performing. But he refused.

"I'm not a fly-by-night promoter," Perkins said. "I have a store here. I have a family here."

He also told the California company it would hurt his ability to promote future concerts. Plus, he had spent $6,000 for promoting a band that wasn't coming to Bozeman, he said.

Again, the two sides tried to hammer out a deal. This time, JL Entertainment offered to bring Petey Pablo and The Liks to town for the $25,000 Perkins already paid the company.

Initially, Perkins agreed to the proposal. He went on radio shows to explain the previous cancellations. He offered cheaper tickets.

And for a third time, Perkins said he got burned.

Two days before the show, JL asked for an additional $11,000. Plus, he had not even heard from the band.

Perkins pulled the plug; this time, for good.

In the months following the cancellations, Perkins said his business suffered. He had to deal with irate fans coming to his store for ticket refunds. And investors, made up of his family and friends, lost money in the deal.

"I got gray hair now," Perkins said. "I used to be so cute."

Perkins still promotes smaller shows at the Zebra Cocktail Lounge. But he won't risk booking a larger act until he pays back all the money he still owes from the last one.

"I'll take a licking and come back," he said. "I'll roll the dice again. You know, I love Vegas."

Kellyn Brown is at kbrown@dailychronicle.com

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