NELLY - NELLY'S PLANNED SHOW HITS OPPOSITION

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 PIMP JUICE rapper's lyrics, the ministers decided to boycott the 12 March (05) 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 website ALLHIPHOP.COM.

The concert is part of a college tour that also features Nelly's group, THE ST LUNATICS.