Kendrick Lamar Bans Cell Phones From Concerts

Kendrick Lamar’s concerts are becoming a no phone zone.

The “Collect Calls” rapper has joined a growing list of artists who are banning the use of cell phones at concerts, according to The Guardian.

Moreover, K-Dot — who is currently touring through Europe with James Blake — is reportedly not allowing professional photographers outside of his camp to shoot his concerts.

Lamar joins high-profile acts with similar policies, including Alicia Keys, Guns N’ Roses, Jack White, and the late Prince, who famously wouldn’t even allow interviews to be recorded.

Through the use of technology like Yondr, fans are able to place their phones in a lockable pouch that unlocks only after they leave the no-cell-phone zone.

There are many arguments against cell phone use. Folk band The Lumineers have said that technology is “ruining the ambiance” at concerts. White said he wanted a more “human experience” at his shows. Some are hoping to boost ticket sales, while others are concerned about copyright infringement issues. Pink Floyd’s Roger Waters says it’s also a matter of respect: “I would never turn on a cell phone at any musical event. It would seem to me to show a lack of respect to and care for fellow concertgoers, or for that matter the artist.”

Kendrick Lamar is fresh off the release of Black Panther: The Album, a soundtrack that he curated and produced for Marvel’s superhero film.

UPDATE: Despite initial reports from The Guardian, Kendrick Lamar’s camp has denied that he has banned cell phones at his shows. In a statement to Billboard, the rapper’s reps say it isn’t true, adding that concertgoers can still film his shows with their phones.