BUSTA RHYMES - RHYMES BACK IN TROUBLE

Rapper BUSTA RHYMES has started 2007 as he ended 2006, in trouble with the law after being accused of assaulting an employee. The rapper will be charged with beating up and cutting the face of driver EDDIE HATCHETT, 39, on 26 December (06) at his office in New York City. Hatchett alleges the attack took place after he had tried to collect money he was owed. He says, "I'm just an average Joe trying to support my family." Rhymes - real name TREVOR SMITH - is currently out of the US and will be charged on his return. The rapper, 34, also faces jail on charges of possessing a machete. The latest brush with the law comes at the end of a year dominated by legal problems. In the last 12 months, Rhymes has been charged with assault, attempted assault and harassment for allegedly beating up a fan who spat on one of his cars in New York in August (06).