Pete Rock Addresses Police Riot at Concert

Two days after the police riot outside of Smif-N-Wessun and Pete Rock's concert at Tammany Hall in New York City's Lower East Side, the artists involved have released an official statement about the incident.

Referring to the release party for their collaborative effort 'Monumental' as a "peaceful gathering," the statement reveals that the initial altercation occurred after concertgoers were turned away at the door by the club's management.

"A minor argument ensued, but eventually was diffused by the bouncers. Thirty minutes after that minor skirmish 15-20 uniformed Police Officers from the 7th precinct arrived at the venue. Shortly after even more uniformed officers arrived. The officers then hurried into the club and began macing and assaulting individuals inside the club, dragging one of them out and pummeling him directly in front of the club. Present at the event were artists, industry tastemakers, fans, photographers, and cameramen. Several people began filming and recording the unprovoked brutality, much to the dismay of the police. The officers then began to mace and assault anyone within arms length, including several women."

According to Kenneth Montgomery, attorney for Smif-N-Wessun and Pete Rock, who was in attendance at the concert, the NYPD's actions were "unjustified, unprovoked, and simply barbaric considering there was no provocation."

While none of the artists were harmed in the ensuing fray, the statement reveals that several of their friends and family, including Rock's daughter, were injured in the seemingly unprovoked police attack.

"Pete Rock, Tek and Steele fortunately were not harmed, however some of their friends & family were assaulted by the Police. The group's attorney, Kenneth Montgomery, is addressing the situation now with local community leaders."

At 12PM EST, Pete Rock, Tek and Steele of Smif-N-Wessun held a press conference to discuss the situation at New York Criminal Court on 100 Centre Street, in downtown Manhattan.