Thug Life Army

Virgin Megastore officials, citing security concerns, told fans that "Fitty" would not show up for his planned meet-and-greet at 9 tonight to promote his new CD, "The Massacre."

"This just got too nasty," said a store manager after the multimillionaire bowed out. "Too many beefs, too much to lose."

Rap artist 50 Cent, fearing a retaliatory attack after two hip-hop shootouts this week; canceled a Times Square appearance yesterday and was said to be lying low.

Police said they were aware of a possible threat against hip-hop/rap impresario Irv Gotti and rapper Ja Rule contained on the CD, but would not reveal whether they were taking action.

Police sources said they expected new violence after Monday, when bullets flew outside West Village radio station Hot 97..

Sources said one of rapper 50 Cent's hangers-on fired four shots at a member of The Game's posse, 24- year-old Kevin Reed of Compton, Calif.

Reed was hospitalized and remained in custody yesterday after California authorities said he violated parole by leaving the state.

Reed now faces extradition and could spend two more years in prison for a marijuana bust. But authorities said they were willing to put in a good word for the self-described "creative rap lyricist" if he helped investigators in the shooting.

Sources said Reed had been less than forthcoming. "He's making believe he's telling us the truth," said one source.

While police said they had surveillance pictures of the shooting, there were no fresh leads on a subsequent spray-shooting outside the West 25th Street management offices of 50 Cent. That incident was described as a warning from rivals to 50 Cent.

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