Busta to face four separate trials

Updated 09.18 Wed Jul 11 2007

Keywords: trial, New York, rapper, Busta Rhymes

Rapper Busta Rhymes will face a string of trials after prosecutors lost a bid to consolidate four different cases against him into one.

Judge Larry Stephen ruled that the cases which include assault and driving under the influence of alcohol and will be tried separately and consecutively.

The Grammy-winning rapper gave his attorney a 'high five' after the judge read his ruling

The Grammy-winning rapper gave his lawyer a 'high five' after the judge read his ruling. There was no public explanation for the decision.

Rhymes, whose real name is Trevor Smith, was most recently arrested on May 3 under suspicion of drink driving.

He has also been arrested on suspicion of assaulting his personal driver, driving with a suspended license, and for beating up a man who allegedly spit on his car.

The first hearing is set to take place on September 5.