Kanye West is serious about freeing Larry Hooever. On Dec. 8, Amazon Music and Prime Video announced they will exclusively live stream Ye, formerly Kanye West, in his first headlining show in five years. Ye’s frenemy and fellow rapper Drake will appear as a spcial guest.
The benefit, titled Free Larry Hoover Benefit Concert, will be held at the LA Memorial Coliseum on Thursday, Dec. 9 at 8 pm EST. The show will be free to stream globally on Prime Video, as well as on the Amazon Music app, and the Amazon Music Twitch channel. IMAX will also live stream the benefit concert in select theaters across the U.S. in an exclusive, one-night-only IMAX Live event. Tickets are available now online.
Ye is taking a page from his estranged wife Kim Kardashian in this venture. He is dedicating the benefit concert to raising awareness of the need for prison and sentencing reform, to support legal reform and community advocates including Ex-Cons for Community and Social Change, Hustle 2.0 and Uptown People’s Law Center. The event will be produced by Donda Touring, ITC Entertainment and PHNTM.
“We’re extremely proud to be working with Kanye and Drake on this historic concert in support of a cause they are both so passionate about, and to collaborate across Amazon for this epic entertainment event,” said Jennifer Salke, head of Amazon Studios. Steve Boom, vp of Amazon Music adds, “We’ve built a home for the most important livestreaming events, and seeing these global superstars on stage together will be a can’t-miss event for fans around the world.”
“Kanye and Drake have spent their careers pushing boundaries and defining culture, and we’re excited to give fans around the world a front row seat to this concert,” said Tim Hinshaw, head of hip-hop and R&B, Amazon Music. “We have made Amazon Music and Prime Video destinations where artists can make their most ambitious ideas a reality—this concert is just the latest example.”
“It’s rare to be able to bring two of the biggest cultural icons together on one stage for our customers across the globe,” added Alaina Bartels, talent synergy & specials, Amazon Studios. “As the home for talent, whether it’s a developing artist or a household name, we’re constantly focused on building opportunities for them to reach fans in exciting new ways. We can’t wait for our audiences to watch this special event.”