September 26, 2008 2:21

Rapper Busta Rhymes released from UK jail

Judge permits rapper to formulate defence

Busta Rhymes has been released from jail at London City Airport after being detained today (September 25) by immigration officials who cited “unresolved convictions” in the US.

High Court Justice Julian Flaux ruled that Rhymes, whose real name is Trevor George Smith Jr, should be immediately released in order to put together a defence. The judge said that it was "difficult to see upon what basis" the rapper had been detained.”

A hearing is likely to take place tomorrow afternoon in which Rhymes’ legal team will challenge the UK government’s attempt to refuse him entry, reports the Associated Press.

Rhymes arrived in the UK in advance of his scheduled performance at the Royal Albert Hall tomorrow for a show organised by Rock Corps. The organisation enlisted the services of Ludacris to replace Rhymes.

The 5,000 fans set to attend the gig were given free tickets as a reward for completing four hours of work in their communities on projects such as litter picking.

The rapper last appeared in England on August 17, when he was given permission to enter the country to launch the RockCorps volunteer programme.

--By our New York staff.
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