McDonald's drops rap star Twista

Twista said he was preparing to clean up his act for the show

US rapper Twista has been dropped from a concert tour organised by McDonald's due to the fast food giant's objection to his controversial lyrics.

The Chicago-born star was due to perform at a concert in the city next month, but McDonald's said it would not "perpetuate derogatory language".

Twista is best known for his fast style, but explicit language and drug references appear in his songs.

He expressed surprise that he was no longer included on the bill.

'Appropriate'

Twista - real name Carl Terrell Mitchell - told the Associated Press the annoucement was unexpected after "hearing from certain people in McDonald's that they were fans of the music and backed me".

He added that he cleans up his act for mainstream shows, and had intended to do so for the Chicago date.

"I was actually going to have a school with a choir come sing the song Hope with me.

"So now McDonald's have to tell the kids that they can't perform," said the musician.

McDonald's spokesman William Whitman said the company "respects free speech and expression".

"We want to ensure these free concerts are fun as well as appropriate for all of our customers," he added.

The tour, which is taking in 10 US cities in July and August, will feature 12 artists including Ne-Yo and Kat Deluna.

Twista's hits include Overnight Celebrity, Sunshine and Slow Jamz, which was performed with Kanye West and Jamie Foxx.