Chaka Zulu, music executive and manager of rapper Ludacris, is one of a number of victims who were shot in Atlanta on Sunday (26 June).
The shooting took place in the Buckhead neighbourhood of Atlanta, Georgia at around 11:35pm local time, when Zulu was located near Peachtree Road.
Police have confirmed Zulu, who is co-CEO of Disturbing Tha Peace Records, was transported to a local hospital after being shot.
Two other people were also involved in the incident; one of whom died after being taken to hospital.
In a statement to Atlanta news station WSB-TV, Atlanta Police Lt. Germaine Dearlove said: “We have three persons shot at the location. One deceased and two are in hospitals as a result of a dispute in the parking lot.”
The incident is believed to have taken place outside the APT 4B restaurant, which is owned by Zulu.
Police have not released information about Zulu’s condition or the state of the other surviving victim, but a source with knowledge of the matter told Variety the executive was critical but stable.
Former Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed appeared to confirm that report in a statement to WSB-TV’s Michael Seiden, saying: ”We are fortunate to report that Chaka Zulu is in stable condition and recovering.
"The family thanks everyone for their well wishes and prayers, and asks for their privacy at this time.”
Sources cited by Variety suggested Zulu may have been trying to break up an altercation when the shooting took place.
Police have launched an investigation into the shooting but do not currently have a suspect in custody.
According to XXL, the police department has said it has surveillance video of the scene and are hoping to be able to identify the shooter.
Zulu founded Disturbing Tha Peace Records in 1998 with his brother, Jeff Dixon, and Ludacris, whose real name is Christopher Brian Bridges.
As well as representing Ludacris, the label has worked with artists such as Chingy, Shawnna, Bobby V, Playaz Circle and Lil Scrappy. In 2008, it signed a long-term deal with Def Jam Recordings.
Zulu was honoured by the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks earlier this year with the 'Forever 404 Honors', which celebrates 'community partners and non-profit organisations that embody cause, culture and community throughout the city of Atlanta and its rooted history'.
Fans have expressed their well-wishes for Zulu in the wake of the news, with many taking to his Instagram to share their hopes for his speedy recovery.
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Emily Brown
