The 28-year-old rapper, whose legal name is John Jackson, was shot once in the thigh when a male with a gun approached him and three others and opened fire, police spokesman Sgt. Mike Wysokowski said.

The four jumped into a vehicle and fled, attracting the attention of police when they ran a red light. Officers stopped them and discovered two loaded guns in the vehicle, both of which were apparently unlicensed, Wysokowski said. All four men were arrested, and charges were pending.

The rapper was taken to a hospital. Police were searching for the shooter.

Police did not identify the three men arrested with the rapper, saying only that they are 18, 23 and 29 years old.

The Brooklyn native's hits have included, "Breathe" and "Can't Deny It," and his songs cover topics ranging from romance to street life and violence. He recently took part in the taping of the VH1 Hip Hop Honors, which were to air Tuesday evening.

An e-mail seeking comment from a representative at Def Jam Recordings was not immediately returned early Tuesday. The label is producing the rapper's upcoming solo album, due out in December, according to Fabolous' Web page on MySpace.com.