President Donald Trump’s efforts to improve relations with Russia, even as the country’s invasion of Ukraine enters its third year, received unexpected support on Tuesday when former Migos rapper Offset announced he will be performing an arena concert in Moscow next month.
The rapper confirmed the performance at Moscow’s MTC Live Hall in April via his Instagram story, providing a link to a Russian-based website with ticket details.
Offset’s decision directly opposes his label’s parent company, Universal Music Group, which—along with most major Western music companies—announced in March 2022 that it was suspending operations in Russia in response to the country’s invasion of Ukraine.
While some independent companies, such as France-based Believe, have maintained a presence in Russia, the major labels withdrew shortly after the invasion. Similarly, most Western artists canceled scheduled concerts in Russia and have not returned.
“We urge an end to the violence in Ukraine as soon as possible,” a UMG spokesperson stated at the time.
“We are adhering to international sanctions and, along with our employees and artists, have been working with groups from a range of countries to support humanitarian relief efforts to bring urgent aid to refugees in the region.”
Rapper OffsetOffset, who appeared on June 2023, has not been particularly vocal about international politics, though he has frequently spoken out against police brutality.
On Tuesday, he also criticized Trump ally Elon Musk’s comments on social media regarding a potential pardon for Derek Chauvin, the former Minneapolis police officer convicted of murdering George Floyd in 2020.
Musk had shared a tweet from conservative commentator Ben Shapiro advocating for Chauvin’s release, adding, “Something to think about.”
In a now-deleted tweet, Offset called Musk a “racist bitch” and added, “Elon Musk playing in black folks faces. Crazy work smh!!!”
However, Offset has primarily made headlines for his music—he released a new single, “Ten,” on Universal’s Capitol label on Valentine’s Day—as well as his tumultuous relationship with Cardi B.
Their on-again, off-again marriage now appears to be heading toward finalizing a divorce, with Offset recently suing for custody of their three children.
