Department of Redundancy Department: Ex-Con Rapper Gunned Down

The story remains the same, just the names change.

Memo to aspiring rappers: It's probably a good idea to be home sleeping at 4:49 a.m.

Ex-con rapper Cavlar, who had just begun to claw his way to success with his own music and "Step Up Your Game" DVDs featuring big-name stars, was gunned down yesterday on a Brooklyn street as he stepped out of his Jaguar to meet a promoter.

The rapper and father of three, whose real name is Leval Lyde, was hit by a single shot to the chest on Fulton Street at 4:49 a.m. as his cousin watched in horror.

The shooting came after Lyde, 36, argued with the gunman and two of the killer's pals - all of whom fled.

"I saw a lady running [and] came outside and she said, 'They're killing each over there!' " said store owner Amilcar Salvador, 40.

An uncle, Clarence Lamb, was stunned at the "senseless death."

"Young people killing each other . . . is fruitless," he said. "It's crazy, just crazy."

That's true. But the promotion of gangsta culture is everywhere and considering where the deceased learned his trade, is anyone really surprised?

According to the record label, he "honed his writing and rapping skills while serving time in New York's Arthur Kill Correctional Facility" - which he said helped steer him to a music career.

He served time on assault and weapons charges, Department of Correction records show.

Have a look at this video and tell me me you're suprpised at his fate.