Jay-Z in his "Show Me What You Got" video Photo: Def Jam/MTV

The Ministry of Culture has decided to protect the city's hip-hop fans from nasty lyrics about pimps, guns and drugs.

The ministry has denied New York rapper Jay-Z permission to perform in the city. He was supposed to make his China debut at the city's Hongkou Football Stadium on October 23. 　

Sun Yun from KS production company, the concert's promoter, said the concert failed to receive permission from the Ministry of Culture because "some of Jay-Z's songs contain too much vulgar language." 　　

Like many rap stars, Jay-Z is known for his use of profanity and songs about the ugly side of street life, complete with drug dealers, pimps, and violence. 　　

Some critics of the ministry decision point out that the Black Eyed Peas performed their sexually suggestive songs in the city just three months ago. 　　

An industry insider who refused to be identified said the difference is that Jay-Z hasn't released an album on the Chinese mainland, while the Black Eyed Peas have.