New York, May 18 (IANS): US rapper Lionel Pickens, better known as Chinx, died after being shot multiple times as he was driving in a vehicle in the New York City borough of Queens, Efe news agency reported.

The 31-year-old rapper was shot early Sunday morning and died shortly thereafter at a city hospital, while a 27-year-old man who was riding with him survived the hail of bullets but is in critical condition.

At least seven bullet holes could be seen in the rapper's silver Porsche in photographs published by various media outlets.

The shooting occurred about 4 a.m. when a car approached Pickens' vehicle and the occupants opened fire on the rapper.

A few hours earlier, Chinx had performed at a Brooklyn nightclub.

Chinx was best known for his musical collaborations with more successful rappers such as Meek Mill and French Montana, with whom he worked on the Coke Boys Records label.

Raised in a Queens housing project, Pickens spent several years in prison over the past decade for robbery and selling drugs, The New York Times reported.

At present, New York authorities have not announced any arrests in the case.