Authorities Fear 50 Cent's Event In Queens Will Turn Violent

August 17, 3:03 PMNY Rap Music ExaminerSana Arshad

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50 Cent is secretly planning to stage a free concert in a schoolyard near the Queens projects where he grew up, and where he was nearly fatally shot — sparking a wave of fear in the community and prompting cops to prepare for the worst.

“We can’t control the area,” warned one law-enforcement source, noting that the performance on the grounds of PS 40 in Jamaica will be part of “an outdoor event — people could walk in from anywhere.” “Someone’s gonna try to make a name for themselves,” another worried source added. “They’re gonna take a shot at him, and they’re either gonna hit him or they’re gonna miss him and hit some poor, innocent kid or grandmother.

The sources said an army of cops is planning to shut down a massive, 20-block area around the South Jamaica Houses for the “surprise” Aug. 30 concert, which is expected to draw about 10,000 people. 50 Cent, who is scheduled to perform at Six Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey the night before, is set to make at an appearance at the neighborhood’s “Family Day” on the school’s grounds at around 5:30 p.m. He plans to bring celebrity pals with him, the sources said. The school’s yard will be packed with children and their families. There will be a stage set up for him and other acts, and a DJ will be there with a mic and equipment. The day is being sponsored by the New York Restoration Project, a nonprofit founded by Bette Midler and the G-Unity Foundation, the rapper’s charity that supports low-income communities. But the prospect of massive turnout and the violence that could ensue — given the bulletproof-vest-sporting rapper’s past run-in with gunfire — already has some families heading for the hills. Word has leaked out in the community that 50 Cent is appearing.

“When I heard that . . . I wanted to avoid it, so I planned a trip to get away from here that day,” said Debbie Lucas, 30, who has two young children.