So everyone is reporting what we warned you about. Here's what the AP said:

China's Culture Ministry has nixed a concert this month by rap artist Jay-Z at Shanghai's Hongkou Stadium, citing a need to protect local hip-hop fans from nasty lyrics, a report said Wednesday.

"Some of Jay-Z's songs contain too much vulgar language," the state-run Shanghai Daily newspaper quoted Sun Yun, of promoter KS Production Co., in explaining the ministry's reason for refusing permission for the Oct. 23 concert.

Now that's just great, people. No Jay-Z. He's got a new album, he's got Beyonce ... he's got it all, but not China. No worries, the cool, calm and collected Jay-Z had this response for the people:

"I look forward to rescheduling my concert date in Shanghai," Jay-Z told AllHipHop.com in a statement. "This world tour has been a life changing experience and it has only been made better by touching the fans that I am seeing for the first time."

We can see Hov the God also saying "IT'S YA BOY!" after that comment.

This is all so sad. For all those skeptical and upset ticket purchasers and Jay-Z fans, we here at Shanghaiist think it's about time to look down memory lane to the international artists who have made a "vulgar" impression in this great city we call home. Ladies and gentlemen, we bring you the poetry of The Black Eyed Peas:

What you gon' do with all that junk? All that junk inside that trunk? I'ma get, get, get, get you drunk, Get you love drunk off my hump. What you gon' do with all that ass? All that ass inside them jeans? I'ma make, make, make, make you scream Make you scream, make you scream. What you gon' do with all that junk? All that junk inside that trunk? I'ma get, get, get, get you drunk, Get you love drunk off this hump. What you gon' do wit all that breast? All that breast inside that shirt? I'ma make, make, make, make you work Make you work, work, make you work.

-- "My Humps" (Yes, this was performed in Shanghai, and yes, they received an official performance license from the Cultural Bureau.)

The Rolling Stones were banned from singing songs like "Brown Sugar" and "Honky Tonk Woman." Both VERY tame songs compared to the pop stuff we hear in 2006.

And for all those wondering about Ice-T and how he got away with what he did in 2005, Ice-T DID NOT have a performance license. But, just for kicks, let's take a brief look at his lyrics:

One wrong move, and your caps peeled I ain't no super hero I ain't no Marvel Comic But when it comes to game I'm atomic At droppin' it straight Point blank and untwisted No imagination needed, cause I lived it This ain't no fuckin' joke This shit is real to me I'm Ice-T

-- "Original Gangster" (Performed at Pegasus)

So what's the story here? How do we look at vulgarity in lyrics in China? We have to add that NOT all of Jay-Z's songs are vulgar and if it came down to it, the intelligent Jay-Z would tone down the cursing and suggestive themes to rock a show in Shanghai. Furthermore, tag-teaming the potential event would be the beautiful Beyonce who would lighten up Jay's hard-hitting style. (No wonder they are together!) Think about it, we hear songs like "Crazy In Love" and "Deja Vu" in the clubs ALL THE TIME, and both songs have the Jiggaman.

Overall, we are a bit skeptical that it's simply Jay-Z's "vulgar" lyrics that won't let him in to China. Most stories appear to be based on the AP story, which quoted the Shanghai Daily quoting the show's promoter. Not exactly direct from the source.

So, first Robbie, now Jay. Who's next? Jessye Norman??? On the bright side, we think that if Jay-Z can sell out Madison Square Garden in a day, come back from retirement as he said he would in The Black Album and deliver a refreshing sense of pride to all Brooklyn-ites, this cancelation is a mere obstacle in Jay's path. Hov will be back.

For all those disappointed fans who still don't believe this concert is cancelled, check out these reports covering the topic, and keep your tissues nearby for your tears:

International Herald Tribune
MTV.com
FOXNews.com
E! Online
The Washington Post

Any thoughts? Drop us a line.