McDonalds has dropped a million-selling rapper from its nationwide concert series.
Citing controversial lyrics, the fast-food giant has released Twista from an appearance in its 10-city series of free concerts across the United States.
The rapper - who reportedly once worked at McDonalds - is known for his lightning-fast delivery in such hit songs as "Overnight Celebrity" and "Slow Jamz," his collaboration with Jamie Foxx and Kanye West. He has used profanity and referenced drugs in some of his lyrics.
In a July 30 statement, McDonalds spokesman William Whitman said "Although we respect free speech and artistic expression, we do not condone or perpetuate derogatory language. We want to ensure these free concerts are fun as well as appropriate for all of our customers."
Speaking to the Associated Press, Twista said the decision came as a surprise, "especially after hearing from certain people that represented McDonalds that they were fans of the music and they were excited about the whole thing and that they backed me, and then to hear a few days later that I was actually not on the show."
Twista said he typically cleans up his lyrics for all-ages shows, and intended to do so for his scheduled August 7 appearance in his home town of Chicago.
