Rapper Chinx Killed in Drive-By Shooting

Over the weekend, rapper Chinx (real name: Lionel Pickens) was killed in a drive-by shooting in Queens, N.Y. According to reports, the 31-year-old, who was a member of French Montana’s group Coke Boys, was driving through the borough in a Porsche Panamera in the wee hours of Sunday morning when a second car pulled up and riddled his car with bullets. Prior to the shooting, he had performed at a nightclub, and according to the venue’s manager and audience members, he didn’t fight with anyone inside.

“As soon as I heard gunshots, I ducked,” recalled eyewitness Raymond Rivera. “When he fell on the ground, he just laid there, he was motionless. He didn’t move, he didn’t scream.”

Late last year, Chinx said he was working on a debut LP. “My album will be titled Welcome to JFK, because my part of Queens is right by the airport, so whenever you coming to New York, you gotta come through where I’m from,” he told XXL.

Rappers React to B.B. King’s Death

Legendary bluesman B.B. King passed away in Las Vegas on May 14. According to reports, his death was caused by a series of small strokes in connection with Type 2 diabetes. He was 89. The musician’s work impacted musicians everywhere. A number of rappers took to social media to convey their respects and sympathy.

“It was an honor to have met and worked with such a genuine soul,” wrote Big KRIT on Instagram. “Mr. King gave me an opportunity musically but also shared the vast knowledge he learned over the years. I am truly saddened by your passing, but God has called you home and your legacy will live on [forever].”

During the Billboard Music Awards, Ludacris also paid his respects.

Rich Homie Quan Apologizes for Rap About Rape

Rich Homie Quan clearly learned nothing from the fallout Rick Ross faced following his rape-y lyric on “U.O.E.N.O”.

In a leaked song titled “I Made It,” featuring Young Thug, Quan raps, “I don’t want your ho, just want that cookie from her / She tried to resist so I took it from her / How you gonna tell me no? / You must not know who I am.”

The offensive lyric caused an uproar online, and RHQ responded. However, the apology fell a little short: “‘I Made It’ was never intended to be released. The song was not lyrically what I wanted to say and was not completed,” he stated. “Without my knowledge, there was a studio leak of the recording. I apologize that it’s out; and I have asked my lawyer to pursue a cease and desist on the song immediately. To be clear, I would never condone rape.”

Ross lost a deal with Reebok after many people protested online. It is unclear what this incident will cost RHQ. According to reports, the song was supposed to appear on a follow-up to the first Rich Gang mixtape.