Nelly's planned performance at Arkansas State University has been hit with strong opposition -- ministers from 20 churches have formed a coalition to protest the show.
After reading the rapper's lyrics, the ministers decided to boycott the March 12 performance, which is taking place at the university's Convocation Center.
A news release circulated by Reverend Adrian Rogers of the Fullness of Joy Church of Jonesboro says the ministers want to "express their disappointment with the 'gangsta rapper' Nelly being allowed to come to the taxpayer-funded Convocation Center."
Reverend Rogers says, "We feel that the lyrics of 'gangsta rappers' are detrimental to society at large, but more specifically to the development of young people."
The ministers are urging members of their congregations not to purchase tickets, but according to the Convocation Center's manager, over 5,000 tickets have already been sold, reports Web site Allhiphop.com.
The concert is part of a college tour that also features Nelly's group, The St. Lunatics.
Hip-hop star Nelly drew nearly 6,300 fans to his concert at Arkansas State University on Saturday despite well-publicized calls for a boycott by area ministers.
Officials say no protesters were in evidence as the rapper took to the stage at the Convocation Center.
A group of 20 Jonesboro, Ark., ministers had complained that Nelly's songs refer to drugs, sex and violence and called on people to tear up their tickets.
During a rally on March 1, the Reverend Adrian Rodgers of the Fullness of Joy Church said, "Jonesboro is a wonderful city because of what does not come here."
Nelly's concert at the northeastern Arkansas school was part of a nationwide tour.
03-04-2005 04:31 AM
