During a recent performance in Berlin, JPEGMAFIA had to abruptly conclude his concert due to an unforeseen incident involving pepper spray in the audience. This unexpected disruption not only affected the show?s flow but also raised concerns about safety at live events.
The artist, known off-stage as Barrington DeVaughn Hendricks, was showcasing his talent at Huxley?s Neue Welt in Berlin on Monday, January 20. According to reports from the Associated Press, the audience was evacuated early, and emergency services transported six individuals to the hospital due to respiratory issues stemming from the incident. Such occurrences highlight the potential dangers present in crowded venues.
As of the latest updates, authorities are still investigating the cause of this alarming event. While officials remain uncertain, a report from Germany?s public broadcaster RBB suggested that an ?unknown person sprayed pepper spray inside the auditorium.? This type of behavior not only endangers concert-goers but also jeopardizes the overall experience of live music events.
According to the popular website Setlist.fm, the concert was interrupted during JPEGMAFIA’s performance of ?Exmilitary,? as an audience member reportedly discharged pepper spray. The planned setlist for the evening was designed to include approximately five more tracks, concluding a total of 23 songs that highlight the artist’s dynamic range and lyrical depth. The incident not only disrupted the performance but also left fans eagerly anticipating the remaining songs.
This performance in Berlin marked the beginning of JPEGMAFIA’s European leg of the Lay Down My Life tour, which promotes his fifth studio album, I Lay Down My Life for You released in 2024. Despite peaking at No. 102 on the Billboard 200, this album represents his most successful solo release to date. It follows his collaboration with Danny Brown on the album Scaring the Hoes, which achieved even greater success, reaching a career-high position of No. 84.
On the same day as the Berlin concert, JPEGMAFIA also announced the upcoming release of the ?Director?s Cut? edition of I Lay Down My Life for You. He introduced a new single titled ?PROTEST THE CROSS,? providing fans with a sneak peek of what to expect next week. Although a specific release date for this project has yet to be confirmed, JPEGMAFIA has revealed that the album will feature a total of 13 tracks, promising to deliver more of his unique sound and thought-provoking lyrics.