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Rap Video Shoot Shooting Kills Guard
By
Jen Chung
Published Feb 6, 2006
Modified Mar 7, 2008
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By
Jen Chung
Published Feb 6, 2006
Modified Mar 7, 2008
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During an overnight video shooting for a new Busta Rhymes video in Brooklyn, a security guard was shot and killed outside the studio. The victim, Israel Ramirez, a 29 year old from Brooklyn (and raised Morningside Heights), is reported to be Busta's new guard as well as a "longtime member" of the entourage, but police think he was shot because of another fight that erupted on the shoot - not because he was Busta's jewelry minder. Apparently there were over 500 people on or near the set - Mary J. Blige, Missy Elliott, 50 Cent, Lloyd Banks and DMX were among the other artists rumored to be on hand to make cameos for the "Touch It (Remix)" shoot, probably with their respective entourages- and some people were angry to be asked to leave. The shooting occurred outside of the Kiss My Cactus studios at 259 Green Street, which seems to be these stages. The Times makes a point of saying the shooting doesn't seem to have been targetted at Busta, as he's an "elder statesman" in the world of rap (at the age of 34, but he's always seemed older than he is). We wonder if rap video shoots will require screening, the way concerts are.
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Jen Chung
Jen Chung is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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