ARMED police guarded a desolate industrial block in Brooklyn last night as they looked for a gang of youths involved in the latest murder of a member of the rap music fraternity.

Gunfire sent dozens of revellers and several stars of the American music and entertainment industry running for cover early on Sunday, as a video recording for the latest single by Busta Rhymes, a leading rap artist, descended into chaos.

As the panic subsided, Israel Ramirez, a bodyguard who looks after the rapper’s jewellery, lay dying in a pool of blood. He was pronounced dead on arrival at the Woodhull Medical and Mental Health Centre. Mary J. Blige and DMX, stars of the rap music scene, and Ronald “Winky” Wright and Felix Trinidad, the middleweight boxers, escaped injury.

Mr Ramirez, 29, known as Busta Rhymes’s “bling handler”, was caught in the crossfire as an argument between the video production crew and a gang of onlookers escalated.

The incident is the latest act of gun violence associated with rap music. Jam Master Jay, of Run DMC, one of rap’s pioneers, was shot dead in 2002. Notorious B.I.G. and Tupac Shakur were shot dead in the late 1990s during a purported feud between rappers on the East and West coasts of America.

Police said that a 9mm automatic pistol had been found near the Green Street studio, and at least eight shells were recovered from the scene. It is understood that a gang of youths had been watching the video recording on Saturday night, hoping to be granted access to Busta Rhymes’s entourage. Police said that they were asked to leave but refused, at which point an argument broke out, followed by gunfire soon after midnight. “These kids were not from around here,” said Priscilla Rosario, 27, who runs a late-night shop near the studio.

“We normally go down to the studio ourselves — there are a lot of videos shot here. They know us. But when these kids come around from other places, looking to make trouble, we stay away.”

She said that some young gang members earned respect by committing acts of violence against famous figures in the rap music scene. “They think it makes them big tough men,” Ms Rosario added.

Police want to talk to Tony Yayo, who is part of 50 Cent’s G-Unit rap group. Mr Yayo, who is not a suspect, is understood to have argued with members of the production team earlier in the day. Mr Ramirez was married with three sons and would have been 30 today.

STAR WARS

October 30, 2002

Jam Master Jay of Run DMC shot dead in New York

February 25, 2001

Lil’ Kim’s entourage had a shoot-out with a rival crew. Lil’ Kim jailed for perjury

December 27, 1999

Jamal “Shyne” Barrow shot three people. Sean “P Diddy” Combs present but was cleared of weapons and bribery charges

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