Early this morning in Queens, NY, Chinx was struck by a bullet and killed. At around 5am, the rapper, who was signed to French Montana's Coke Boys imprint, was shot while sitting inside a car.

Born Lionel Pickens, Chinx was transported to Jamaica Medical Center with gunshot wounds to his torso, and later pronounced dead. Police responded to a 911 in Briarwood, where they discovered two victims in car on Queens Boulevard and 84th Drive. The other victim, a 27-year-old, was shot in the back and remains in critical condition.

Details remain sketchy around the shooting, as police have yet to make an arrest. An investigation is currently underway.

According to Allhiphop.com, police may have a lead as a user left a cryptic message on Chinx's Twitter page in correlation with the shooting. The user page was deleted.

In a statement, the Legion Media Group said:

"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. Few details are available about his passing but his management confirmed his passing this morning. The rapper from Queens, New York was a member of French Montana's Coke Boys. Chinx's dedication, humor and vision will always be remembered "Chinx was one of the most talented, professional, and determined rappers this industry had to offer," said Publicist Chanel Rae, "Further more, he was a friend."

DJ Babyface was with chinx that night and spoke with Eyewitness News. "A lot of love from everybody," he said, "the crowd just gave him the energy - he just kept on and on."

RIP Chinx.

[Pix 11]

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