Jay-Z Associate Pleads Guilty In R. Kelly Pepper-Spray Case

04/26/06 7:00pm

by Phil Villeneuve (CHARTattack)

Def Jam Records VP and Jay-Z confidante Tyran "Ty Ty" Smith pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct on April 24 for pepper-spraying R. Kelly during the ill-fated Best Of Both Worlds Tour in 2004.

The incident took place during an Oct. 29 show at New York's Madison Square Garden, where Kelly claimed that he saw two men in the audience with guns and left the stage in fear for his life. He agreed to finish his performance after police were called, but he alleged in a lawsuit that he and several members of his entourage were pepper-sprayed by an associate of Jay-Z, identified as Smith, while on their way back to the stage.

In return for a guilty plea and the successful completion of four days of community service and two days of anger management counseling, Smith will be absolved of all charges, which were originally brought forth 18 months ago by Kelly. The R&B singer also accused Jay-Z and his affiliates of a slew of offences, including physical assault with pepper-spray, breach of contract and deliberate sabotage by Jay-Z's alleged lighting director.

Kelly, who was kicked off the tour after the incident, originally stated that he would sue Smith, J-Hova and the tour's promotion company, Atlanta Worldwide Touring Company, for $75 million U.S.. The amount was later upped to $91 million.

Kelly, who will stand trial for several counts of child pornography and statutory rape later this year, insists that the incident was orchestrated by Jay-Z in order to dissolve the tour. Jay-Z, who was just named the greatest MC of all time by MTV, claims that Kelly's suit is just a stunt to veer the spotlight away from his upcoming teen-sex trial.

AllHipHop.com reports that, according to those close to Kelly, the singer is close to a $16-million settlement with Jay-Z and Smith.