Line-up woes rock The Block Party as two acts get axed

Two acts have been removed from the bill of Auckland hip-hop festival The Block Party over visa woes.

That's not the only issue for fans planning to head along to ASB Showgrounds tonight, with a founding member of Mobb Deep pulling out over a health scare.

The festival is due to kick off at 5pm tonight, featuring headlining acts Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Twista, Mobb Deep and DJ Quik.

But organisers have been forced to remove two acts and offer refunds after Tha Dogg Pound and Lady Of Rage failed to get visas in Australia.

"We did everything in our power to try convince the artists to still play the New Zealand show for you, but from their point of view it was not viable without confirmation of the five extra Australian dates," promoters said in a statement, calling their cancellation a "painful" situation.

There's further disappointment in store for Mobb Deep fans, with founding member Prodigy unable to travel because of issues with Sickle Cell disease.

Fellow Mobb Deep members Havoc and Big Noyd have still made the trip and will perform at the show.

"His condition has made him unable to travel at this time. These are strict doctors orders. We can't thank Havoc and Big Noyd enough for still coming our way to deliver the show. Our prayers are with Prodigy at this tough time," said organisers.

Refunds can be requested before 3pm today. The festival, which also includes performances by Tomorrow People, Che Fu & The Krates, PNC and Times X Two, gets underway at 5pm today.