Rapper Jay-Z gets probation for stabbing of record producer at New York nightclub

The Associated Press

NEW YORK (AP) Rapper "Jay-Z" was sentenced to three years probation for stabbing a record producer at a Manhattan nightclub, prosecutors said.

The Grammy-winning rapper, whose real name is Shawn Carter, pleaded guilty in October to misdemeanor assault, admitting he stabbed Lance Rivera at a club party on Dec. 1, 1999.

Jay-Z accused Rivera of making and selling counterfeit copies of one of his recordings, then stabbed him with a 5-inch knife at least twice, according to a police account.

As part of a plea agreement, Manhattan Supreme Court Justice Micki Scherer sentenced Jay-Z, 31, to three years probation.

The rapper refused to talk to reporters, but his lawyer, Ben Brafman, said his client was pleased the case was resolved.

Rivera, 35, did not file a suit against the rapper, and the two settled out of court for between $500,000 and $1 million. Rivera later told prosecutors he was not interested in pursuing the case.

Jay-Z's "Vol. 2: Hard Knock Life" won best rap album at the Grammy Awards in 1999.