Busta Rhymes was temporarily refused entry this morning to the U.K., where he had been scheduled to perform at a benefit concert, because authorities were concerned about his U.S. rap sheet. And we're not talking the musical kind.
Immigration officials stopped the "Gimme Some More" artist at London City Airport due to several "unresolved convictions," according to the hip-hopster's British promoter.
His lawyer, Philip Trott, presented papers indicating Rhymes has a valid work permit, had played two shows in Great Britain earlier this year, has never served any time in prison and completed community service for his convictions.
But according to Sky News, that didn't appease the immigration folks, who decided to hold the rapper in a 7-foot-by-8-foot room under the watchful eyes of five armed policemen.
The authorities then booked Rhymes on a flight to Amsterdam, which would have prevented him from performing at Orange RockCorps' inaugural charity gig scheduled for Friday at the Royal Albert Hall.
Before authorities could ship him out, however, Rhymes' camp won a temporary victory, obtainingan injunction from a High Court judge blocking the rapper's deportation.
Justice Julian Flaux ruled by telephone that the MC's detention was illegal and ordered him to be released from custody.
Flaux ordered a hearing, most likely to take place Friday afternoon, to determine whether Rhymes can stay.
No word yet if Rhymes will rejoin the lineup if he's permitted to remain in Britain. A rep for the rapper could not be reached for immediate comment.
As a contingency, the youth-based volunteer group staging the event announced it had tapped Rhymes' friend and fellow rap star Ludacris to fill in. (Ludacris is not without his own problems; it was reported today that a fire destroyed a pool house at his suburban Atlanta mansion.)
Over the last two years, Rhymes has had several run-ins with the law, the most egregious coming in 2006. First, he was arrested for allegedly assaulting a fan who spat on his car, and months later for beating up a former driver who was seeking back pay.
Rhymes, born Trevor Smith, eventually struck a deal in both cases, pleading guilty to third-degree assault. In turn he was sentenced to three years' probation, 10 days of community service and fines.
Rhymes has been an avid supporter of RockCorps, having joined the lineup of three previous concerts staged by the charity in the U.S. alongside such acts as Kanye West, Nas, Kelis, Nelly and Panic at the Disco.
Other performers on the London bill include John Legend, Feeder and the Automatic. About 5,000 RockCorps members, who donated hours of their time to service, will be in attendance.
Rhymes' latest album, B.O.M.B., hits stores Dec. 9.
(Originally published Sept. 25, 2008 at 11:02 a.m. PT.)
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