‘Dougie’ rapper M-Bone dies in California drive-by
INGLEWOOD, California (AP) — M-Bone of the rap group Cali Swag District, which scored a hit last year with the song Teach Me How to Dougie, was killed in a weekend drive-by shooting as he sat in a car outside a liquor store, police said yesterday.
The motive for Sunday night’s shooting was under investigation, Lt James Madia said.
The 22-year-old rapper from outside Los Angeles, whose real name is Mante Ray Talbert, was sitting alone in his car shortly after 10:30 pm local time.
“Another car pulled alongside, gunshots were fired, and the victim was struck twice in the head,” Madia said.
Talbert died at a hospital.
Witnesses gave varying descriptions of the fleeing car, Madia said.
Talbert was “the victim of a random act of violence”, said a statement from Cali Swag District’s publicist, Greg Miller. “He was a hard-working, passionate artiste and dancer that will be deeply missed.”
Cali Swag District’s hit was based on the ‘Dougie’ dance which first appeared in Texas. Dancers lean and move their arms and shoulders smoothly.
The dance has been performed by celebrities such as CNN anchor Wolf Blitzer and Washington Wizards basketball star John Wall. First Lady Michelle Obama showed off her version during an event for her “Let’s Move” exercise initiative, as an announcer rapped the song’s refrain.
