Is the Hip Hop Industry Dirtier Than the Dope Game?

McDonald's Corp. has sacked plans to include Chicago-based Twista as part of its 10-city live music tour.

The rapper was scheduled to perform Aug. 7 as part of the McDonald's Live tour, the initiative created to connect with young consumers that kicked off in Los Angeles Thursday.

"McDonald's USA made the decision following concerns raised about the artist's controversial lyrics," the company said in a statement issued Friday.

McDonald's is seeking another artist to perform a Chicago show.

"Although we respect free speech and artistic expression, we do not condone or perpetuate derogatory language," the statement said.

By axing Twista, McDonald's now has six of its remaining nine tour dates without a performer. The tour includes artists from various musical genres with shows taking place at McDonald's store parking lots.

Twista was named in a local community billboard campaign denouncing rappers who use sexually explicit and violent lyrics.

Twista, who has a regular column with the Chicago Tribune's RedEye operation, did not return calls for comment.

The Rev. Michael Pfleger, pastor of St. Sabina Catholic Church, which launched the billboard campaign, applauded the Happy Meal pusher's decision to sever the act from its brand.

"They have to make wise decisions about the image they're going to use to reach young people and they have to be corporately responsible. If they're going to use entertainers who promote violence and demean women, that's irresponsible behavior," he said. "I hope other industries and corporations will take note and do the same."

SOURCE: SUNTIMES.COM