Rapper climber in war of the roses

Dean Potter

Free soloist Dean Potter's ascent at Delicate Arch ended up in a lyrical satire by Ohio rapper/climber Kris Hampton otherwise known as Odub.

Hampton's song entitled 'Not all Roses' landed him in legal trouble due to infringement of Potter's rights. According to the rapper, he commented first on the NPS Web site, and then posted the song online to encourage people to comment, after learning of the new management plan being developed for Arches National Park.

Potter attracted attention with his highline walk between two of the landmark towers after which a set of very specified regulations and climbing prohibitions were imposed by the Parks management in order to ensure safety. The song was written after Dean's free solos of Dog's Roof (5.12b) and Heaven (5.12d/13a) but the original release date forward when the management transformations that occurred at Arches National Park post were announced.

Hampton said that the spoof intended to make climbers consider accountability for actions taken to attract publicity. Potter's lawyer has issued a Cease and Desist notice directed at removing the song in its full capacity from the internet as links to the song have been posted on various climbing sites.

According article source, Climbing mag, Potter was contacted for comment however had not yet replied by publication deadline.