McKinley Phipps, who recorded the song "Murda, Murda, Kill, Kill" (RealAudio excerpt) as rapper Mac and who goes by the nickname Camouflage Assassin, was arrested and charged with first-degree murder Tuesday, in Baton Rouge, La., following a nightclub shooting early Monday.

James Hartman, a spokesperson for the St. Tammany Parish sheriff's

office, said 19-year-old Barron Victor died at a local hospital, after

being shot in his upper-left side while attempting to break up a fight at Club Mercedes in Slidell, La.

Phipps, 22, allegedly shot Victor at about 1:30 a.m. Monday, just

minutes before the rapper was scheduled to perform at the event, billed as the World War Party, according to Hartman.

"Witnesses identified Mr. Phipps as the gunman," Hartman said. "Based on that information, we acquired warrants for Mr. Phipps' arrest."

As Mac, Phipps released the album World War III in September. Master P, Mia-X, C-Murder and other No Limit "soldiers," as they call themselves, lent vocals to the album. Tracks included "Assassin Nation" (RealAudio excerpt), "Cops and Robbers" and "Battle Cry." The LP debuted at #44 on the Billboard 200 albums chart but faded quickly. It has sold 115,000 copies to date, according to SoundScan.

No Limit's general counsel, Edwin Hawkins, said in a statement, "We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of the victim, Barron Victor. We know it is a very difficult situation for any family to be involved in. However, we stand behind Mac's plea of innocence in this matter and we are certain that once the truth is revealed, Mac will be completely exonerated."

Phipps was arrested Tuesday afternoon, at his home in Baton Rouge. Thirteen other men who were at the residence were brought in for questioning; one, Larnell Warren, was arrested after he lied to sheriff's deputies, Hartman said.

Phipps is being held without bail at St. Tammany Parish Jail, pending grand jury action. The grand jury meets March 21, according to Joe Teserud, a spokesperson for the St. Tammany Parish district attorney. Spokespersons for No Limit could not be reached for comment. .