Khloé Kardashian and French Montana lead tributes to late rapper Chinx


May 18, 2015

Khloé Kardashian, Jay Z and French Montana were among the stars who paid tribute to late rapper Chinx, who died in the early hours of Sunday morning. The New York-born musician was the victim of a drive-by shooting in Queens.

Chinx, whose real name was Lionel Pickens, was a member of French Montana's group and record label. French Montana was one of the first to react to his friend's death online, paying tribute to the 31-year-old.

"I'm sad to see my brother go out like this, one of the realest people I met," wrote the rapper on Instagram. "My prayers go to his kids and family."

© Photo: Getty Images

Khloé Kardashian and French Montana were among the first to pay tribute to Chinx (far right)

French Montana's ex-girlfriend Khloé also shared a photo collage on Instagram, writing: "We've only known each other a short time but it was the best time, full of memories that I will cherish forever! I miss you Chinxy #TheWolfPack #RIPChinx."

Her brother Rob Kardashian also paid his respects, posting on Twitter, "Rest in peace Chinx,,,, gone way too soon" before adding, "Another brother gone without reaching his full potential :(".

Khloé Kardashian said that she would miss "Chinxy" in an Instagram post

During a Tidal concert in New York, Jay Z addressed the audience, pausing to honour his fellow slain musician.

"[A] young man got killed in Queens named Chinx," the music mogul said. "We are seriously under attack like never before. Rest in peace to Chinx. And we still killing each other. We need to understand that we are kings and queens."

According to multiple reports, police responded to an emergency call in Queens at around 4am on Sunday. They found Chinx and another victim Antar Alziadi in a car. The rapper died of multiple gunshot wounds to his torso, while his companion is said to still be in a critical condition at a local hospital.

© Photo: Getty Images

The rapper was killed in a drive-by shooting in Queens, New York in the early hours of Sunday morning

Chinx's management company confirmed the news of his death on Instagram, writing: "It is with a heavy heart that The Legion Media Group and 4 Kings Management announce the passing of Lionel 'Chinx' Pickens this morning. He was 31."

His publicist Chanel Rae added: "Chinx was one of the most talented, professional, and determined rappers this industry had to offer. Furthermore, he was a friend."

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