50 Cent 'show in New York scrapped'

50 Cent has reportedly cancelled a secret show in New York amid fears that the concert may attract violence.

Angry Ape reports that the 'In Da Club' rapper was due to perform at Family Day on August 30 as part of a "surprise" concert in the borough of Queens, close to the Jamaica neighbourhood where he grew up and was nearly fatally shot in 2000.

Local authorities recruited an "army of cops" to close the area for the show, which was expected to draw around 10,000 local residents, fearing that violence would break out.

Earlier this week, a spokesperson for 50 Cent confirmed that he would still make an appearance despite the growing concerns.

New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg has since stepped in, assuring worried community members that the singer will definitely not feature on the bill.

A statement from the mayor explained: "Our understanding after talking with 50 Cent is he has no plans to perform whatsoever. He might go, but he's not going to perform."