Cali Swag District Rapper M-Bone Killed in Calif. Drive-By
Cali Swag District member was known for penning "Teach Me How to Dougie."
May 16, 2011— -- Cali Swag District member Mante "M-Bone" Talbert, 22, was killed in a weekend drive-by shooting in his hometown of Inglewood, Calif., police said on Monday.
Cali Swag District rose to fame in 2010 with their hit song "Teach Me How to Dougie," inspiring everyone from Wolf Blitzer to NBA star John Wall to show off their own version of the classic dance craze, "the dougie." The group had been recording tracks for an upcoming album in their hometown of Inglewood, when "M-Bone" was shot and killed.
Talbert's manager told ABC News that Talbert was taking a break from the recording session to drive out to a store to get something to drink, when another car pulled up beside him and an unidentified person fired two shots, hitting him in the head.
Inglewood police said Monday that Talbert was found in his car at a liquor store Sunday night, and died at a hospital. Lt. James Madia told the Associated Press the motive for the shooting is still under investigation.
Greg Miller, the group's manager, released a statement Monday saying, "Mante was the comedic entertainer of Cali Swag District and was an inspiration to his family, friends and fans. He was a hardworking, passionate artist and dancer that will be deeply missed."
The statement added that, "What makes this especially sad is that none of the guys have ever been involved in any type of gang activity."
"Nightline" reported on the members of Cali Swag District earlier this year and how they wanting to be positive role models for young kids. We followed them as they visited an elementary school in Rochester, N.Y., in December 2010 to talk to the kids about believing in themselves and achieving their dreams. The members of the group seemed to be kids themselves when they started an impromptu snowball fight and snow angel making contest with the students after school. It was also the first time the group had left Inglewood and saw snow for the first time.
Watch the original "Nightline" report on the Cali Swag District group HERE.
Related Stories
ABC News Live