Star’s manager charged in killing Slay rap for pal of Ludacris
Chaka Zulu, the longtime manager of rapper Ludacris, has been arrested on multiple charges, including murder, according to police reports.
Zulu, 52, whose real name is Ahmed Obafemi, was one of three shot on June 26 in a shopping center parking lot outside his Atlanta restaurant.
The shooting left 23-year-old Artez Benton dead and another person hospitalized.
Police said the shooting was a result of a fight that broke out between Zulu and others.
Atlanta police on Tuesday charged Zulu with murder, aggravated assault, possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime, and simple battery.
Zulu turned himself in to authorities on Tuesday and was able to post a $200,000 bond that same day.
It is unclear when Zulu will appear in court.
Zulu’s lawyer, Gabe Banks, said in a statement that Zulu was jumped by four individuals and was protecting himself after the assailants repeatedly attacked him while he was in a “defenseless posture.”
Benton’s family wants answers in the death of the 23-year-old.
Cry for justice
“We just want justice for Artez,” Arteria Benton, older sister of Artez, told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Zulu is known throughout Atlanta for his involvement in the community.
Last January, the Atlanta Hawks honored Zulu for his advocacy for mentorship and service to young artists in Atlanta.
Zulu founded the independent record label Disturbing tha
Peace Records in 1998 with his brother Jeff Dixon and Christopher “Ludacris” Bridges.
The goal of the record label was to give musicians in Atlanta opportunities to become known and not have to rely on major record label deals.
Ludacris was the first artist to sign with the label.