Rapper 50 Cent has cancelled plans to perform a secret show in New York amid fears the concert would be marred by violence, according to the city's mayor.
The In Da Club hitmaker was set to take the stage for Family Day on 30 August for a "surprise" concert at a schoolyard in the borough of Queens, close to the Jamaica neighbourhood where he grew up and was nearly fatally shot in 2000.
Local authorities recruited an "army of cops" to shut down the area for the event - expected to draw 10,000 local residents - fearing violence would break out if a shooter took aim at the hip-hop star, according to the New York Post.
Earlier this week, 50 Cent's publicist confirmed the rapper - real name Curtis Jackson - still planned to make an appearance despite growing concerns. New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg has now stepped in, assuring worried community members Jackson will definitely not be performing.
A statement from the mayor reads: "Our understanding after talking with 50 Cents (sic) is he has no plans to perform whatsoever. He might go, but he's not going to perform."
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