Travis Scott was apparently warned by police over "crowd energy" prior to the fatal Astroworld Festival gig.
It's been claimed that the chief of the Houston Police personally warned the rapper about crowd control just hours before eight fans died during the tragedy at the Texas concert.
The ill-fated Astroworld Festival crowd surge saw eight people lost their lives and hundreds more injured on Friday night.
Speaking within a statement, Houston PD Chief Troy Finner said: "In my 31 years of law enforcement experience I have never seen a time with more challenges facing citizens of all ages, to include a global pandemic and social tension throughout the nation."
The law enforcer revealed that he met with Kylie Jenner's partner and his security team to relay his concerns ahead of the concert on Friday night.
The Houston Police Chief, who knows Travis personally, spoke with the star in his trailer before his show and conveyed concerns about the energy in the crowd, according to an insider with knowledge of the chief’s account.
A full statement posted via Houston Police's social media accounts read in full: "I met with Travis Scott and his head of security for a few moments last Friday prior to the main event.
"I expressed my concerns regarding public safety and that in my 31 years of law enforcement experience I have never seen a time with more challenges facing citizens of all ages, to include a global pandemic and social tension throughout the nation.
"I asked Travis Scott and his team to work with Houston Police Department for all events over the weekend and to be mindful of his team's social media messaging on any unscheduled events.
The meeting was brief and respectful, and a chance for me to share my public safety concerns as Chief of Police.
"As I have previously stated, our criminal investigation continues. We are asking for everyone to be considerate of the grieving families during this incredibly difficult time. Please continue to lift them up in prayer."
The New York Times reports that the police chief attributed the "energy" to the ongoing pandemic, the fact that tickets had a high resale price and the event's history of struggling to control crowds in the past.
TMZ claims that the Chief never told Travis to cancel the annual festival.
A source claiming to be connected to the artist told the American publication that the rapper was never told to stop the performance prior to 10.10PM - more than an hour after the show began - via his in-ear device.
Travis also claims that because of the strobe lights, pyrotechnics and other features on display, he was unaware of the full extent of the calamity occurring within the crowd.
Hundreds were injured when a surge in the crowd caused a stampede on Friday, with eight people confirmed so far to have lost their life.
The youngest reported person to die was just 14 years old.
Travis issued a statement over the weekend to say he's devastated about what happened.
"I am absolutely devastated by what took place last night. My prayers go out to the families and all those impacted by what happened at Astroworld Festival," he wrote.
He added: "Houston PD has my total support as they continue to look into this tragic loss of life.
"I am committed to working together with the Houston community to heal and support the families in need. Thank you to Houston PD, Fire Department and the NRG Park for their immediate response and support."
