Rapper JADAKISS has pleaded not guilty to gun possession charges.
The rapper, real name JASON PHILLIPS, appeared in court in White Plains, New York yesterday to face the charges following his arrest in October.
Jadakiss and three friends were in a car that was pulled over by police in Yonkers, New York. The authorities smelled the drug marijuana and searched the vehicle, finding a gun in the front console.
In court, the rapper’s lawyer, CLEMENT PATTI, insisted his client had no knowledge of the gun, adding, “I have yet to see or hear of any evidence connecting my client to possessing this weapon.”
If convicted on the gun charge, the rapper could be sentenced to up to seven years in prison.
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Rap star Jadakiss and three others were arrested on early Saturday and charged with criminal possession of a weapon after their car was pulled over.
A loaded handgun was found in a search of the vehicle, reports E! Online.
Jadakiss was also charged with possession of marijuana after a small amount of the drug was found on him. The car’s driver, Darnell Frazier, was also charged with driving under the influence.
The four men — rounded out by Benjamin Lockhart and Kristian Smith — are currently sitting in jail with a court appearance set for Tuesday, at which point bail will likely be set.
Jada (real name: Jason Phillips) has a history of gun charges. In 2004, he was arrested for possession of marijuana and two guns. He ended up striking a plea agreement on those charges and paid a $900 U.S. fine.
Rapper Jadakiss has a new song on the radio called “Why” and it’s attracting a lot of atttention and criticism.
In the song the rapper asks several questions, including, “Why did Bush knock down the towers?” and it’s forcing some radio stations to play edited copies of the song, but now fans are demanding that the original version of the song be played.
“In the beginning, they would edit, but after that, everybody called back for the version that was calling Bush (out),” he tells the AP.
Jadakiss’ album released last month is approaching 500,000 units sold, while his single “Why” sits at No. 16 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip Hop chart.
