Try Not To Die Of Shock But Another Hip Hop Event Is Under Fire For False Line-up Claims

The organisers behind the Perth-based Boulevard Tour are facing scrutiny after not one but two high-profile international acts stepped forward to distance themselves from the event, claiming they were not — and had never been — attached to appear.

As Perth Now reports, US rappers Nelly and T-Pain — who were both advertised as being confirmed for The Boulevard, ostensibly due to kick off at Brisbane's Entertainment Centre on 17 March (if only Madonna wasn't already booked there) — have both released statements advising that, far from being in-the-bag drawcards, they're not even associated with the event.

"It has come to my attention that I'm being falsely advertised as performing in Australia on the Boulevard Tour, which is completely untrue," Nelly wrote in a public Facebook post at the weekend. "I caution anyone who has bought tickets!! I am not nor have I ever been associated with this tour.

"I love my fans in Australia and do hope to tour there again soon!"

T-Pain soon followed suit on Twitter, with a simple message that informed his fans that he would not be making his way Down Under any time soon — or, at least, not on The Boulevard's dime.

"We were in talks but never received a payment," T-Pain explained, hashtagging his post #tpaintruth.

However, despite the setbacks, a spokesperson for Fundamental Creative — the company behind The Boulevard Tour — told Perth Now that they remained optimistic about the prospects of locking down both artists anyway.

"[We] are hoping to deliver both artists on this tour," the rep told the paper. "Fundamental Creative wants to ensure ticket holders that they will be delivering on the promise of Perth’s newest and only outdoor urban music festival on Saturday 19th March with one of the best RnB and Urban line-ups ever to land on the west coast."

As it stands, The Boulevard is moving full steam ahead towards its planned dates. In addition to Brisbane and Perth, dates are advertised for Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne, on 18 March (the same date as a scheduled Bryan Adams concert at the venue), and Sydney's Allphones Arena on 20 March (again, if Madonna makes room for them, we suppose).

If you're the hopeful sort, you can see The Boulevard's Facebook page for further information.

I will not be performing in Australia. We were in talks but never received a payment...#tpaintruth

— T-Pain (@TPAIN) February 1, 2016