Aspiring rapper Leval 'Cevlar' Lyde has been shot dead outside a restaurant in Brooklyn, New York. The 36-year-old, who toured with Lil' Jon in 2004 and was preparing for the release of new material, was attacked outside the Fish and Crustacean restaurant as he left the eatery on Tuesday night.

Prior to the shooting, Leval - who was with his cousin at the time of the incident - had fought with his unknown killer and two other men. All three fled after a gun was fired.

Lyde's uncle Clarence Lamb tells the New York Post, "Young people killing each other is fruitless. It's crazy."

Police are investigating the possibility the killing was "rap-related", according to the New York Post.

(This news article provided by World Entertainment News Network)