Rock venue Corporation cancelled last night’s visit of New York rapper Styles P, known for hardcore lyrics and powerful messages .

He was expected to attract about 300 people to the Milton Street nightspot. Today club owner Mark Huntley said he was happy to take police advice, which appears to have come without a full explanation.

“They simply recommended it did not go ahead. They must have been concerned about something as they would not say this without reason,” he said.

“For them to say something is rare, but they must have received some sort of intelligence.”

Only once before has Corporation scrubbed a show, a reggae/ragga night.

“The police did advise the club in this matter. They did not recommend or insist that they cancel the show but some strong advice was offered,” said a police spokesman.

Styles, aged 32, is a member of rap group D-Block, which includes Jadakiss, and has recorded with rap giants Notorious BIG and Puff Daddy.

Fans who bought tickets for the Sheffield show were urged to seek refunds from the point of ticket purchase.