Talib Kweli Erupts in Backstage Showdown with Security at Black Star Concert

On November 11, 2025, veteran rapper Talib Kweli was involved in a heated confrontation with security guards backstage at his Black Star concert in Manchester, UK. According to reports, the incident occurred after venue staff interrupted the group's performance just one minute past the 11PM curfew.

Kweli was furious, loudly demanding to know "Who the f*** they think they are!" He accused the venue of being disrespectful, claiming they would not have treated a white UK artist the same way. Kweli also got into a heated argument with a Black security guard, suggesting their team would not have pulled such a stunt on a white performer.

The confrontation escalated, with Kweli cursing out a stagehand until the person retreated. He then turned his attention to another security guard, yelling "STFU" and forcing the individual to back down. Meanwhile, the onlooking fans seemed to egg Kweli on, chanting the chorus to Black Star's hit song "Definition."

In a statement to TMZ Hip Hop, Kweli explained that Black Star had arrived at the O2 Manchester venue at 8:30PM for a 9PM set time, with an agreed 11PM curfew. However, the venue had decided to push the show time back to 9:15PM without the group's input, causing them to end the performance later than planned. Kweli maintained that Black Star had not disrespected the curfew, and accused the venue of mistreating them as guests.