Jay-Z album party shut down

A launch party for Jay-Z's new album was brought to an abrupt halt last night when New York authorities shut down the city's Avalon nightclub.

Revellers were queuing outside, waiting to celebrate the release of the rapper's Kingdom Come album at the nightspot, when police and fire officials ordered the immediate closure of the venue.

Club director Carmelo Citron said the club closed because of occupancy certificate problems.

The 99 Problems hitmaker was not expected to attend the bash.