"Dougie" Rapper M-Bone Killed in Drive-By Shooting

Cali Swag District MC gunned down late Sunday while sitting in a car; police don't have any suspects

By Whitney English May 16, 2011 2:55 PMTags
M-BoneCharley Gallay/Getty Images for Chrysler

M-Bone, a So-Cal hip-hopster with the Dougie-happy Cali Swag District, has died after being gunned down in a drive-by shooting late last night.

Police in Inglewood confirm that a man was killed by two gunshots to the head around 10:30 p.m. The victim was sitting in the passenger seat of a car when another vehicle pulled up alongside and unloaded "at least two rounds" into the car, according to Lt. Michael Marshall.

The victim was taken to a nearby hospital and pronounced dead on arrival. He was just 22.

Was there a motive?

"It looks like they knew each other," says Marshall. "It was not a traditional drive-by." However, investigators don't have any suspects and are asking for tipsters to call in.

Police didn't immediately identify M-Bone (aka Mante Talbert) as the victim, pending notification of next of kin.

But a publicist for the group has confirmed to E! News that indeed the performer, who was the group's comedic presence, was the one killed—and claims he wasn't being purposely targeted

"Cali Swag District member Mante 'M-Bone' Talbert was the victim of a random act of violence last night," the rep says, calling M-Bone "an inspiration to his family, friends and fans."

Formed last year by M-Bone, C-Smoove, Yung and JayAre, Cali Swag District immediately hit the charts with the huge crossover hit "Teach Me How to Dougie."

Says the group's publicist of M-Bone: "He was a hardworking, passionate artist and dancer that will be deeply missed."

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