The Chinese government is set to do all that is in its powers to protect the non hip-hop population from the invasion of 'vulgar' and profane lyrics. Consequently, the Ministry of Culture canceled Jay Z's performance that was to take place on October 23, at Hongkou Football Stadium.

The concert was to be a part of the rapper's international tour and it would have also represented his live debut in China. A spokesperson for KS Productions, the organizers, said that they asked for a permit for the concert and were flatly turned down.

It was said that 'some of Jay Z's songs contain too much vulgar language' and that his tracks make way too much reference to the uglier side of street life, drug dealers, pimps and violence. The organizers of the event were left speechless when they saw the arguments presented by the authorities.

Ironically, the Ministry held tight to the refusal, even when the organizers told that The Black Eyed Peas had performed, although their lyrics were also deemed 'vulgar' and racy, less than three months ago at the very same venue, as have also The Rolling Stones. But, on the other side, The Peas released an album on the Chinese mainland prior to their concert, a thing that Jay Z failed to do.