Rapper Mazaradi Fox, who was an associate and childhood friend of rapper and entrepreneur 50 Cent, was shot and killed today (Jan. 3) in Queens, N.Y.

Fox, born Jamal Green, was shot dead at the corner of Farmers Blvd. and 133rd Ave. in the borough. A gunman, who was said to be a black man dressed in all black and a ski mask, opened fire on a white SUV carrying several people. The shooter fled the scene in a dark Hyundai sedan, for which authorities are currently on the hunt.

Sources say that Fox, 42 and a native of Jamaica, Queens, stumbled out of the vehicle and collapsed in a driveway.

There were three other people wounded in the shooting. One man, 22, was hit in the neck and shoulder and is in critical condition. Another man, also 22, was shot in the arm. A woman in her 20s sustained a graze wound to her neck. A possible fifth victim may have been involved, with authorities searching for that person as the three survivors were transported to Jamaica Hospital to have their injuries treated.

Fox's death is tragic for a number of reasons. He was just released from prison on Dec. 20. He had served two years for attempted assault. He had planned to pursue his rap career once he was freed.

His arrest record was colorful, as he was convicted of attempted murder back in 1998, as well.

He also raised D'Aja Robinson, the 14-year-old who was shot and killed on a city bus last May. Her relatives considered Fox to be her step-father.

Fox was signed to 50 Cent's G-Unit label back in 2007 and was a member of his G-Unit crew. He and Fitty were somewhat estranged through the years, but he did pay for the horse and carriage that carried Robinson's casket.

A rep for the rapper did issue this statement: “50 Cent was in his New York studio and was saddened when he heard the news. He sends his condolences to Mazaradi’s family."

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