Rap star Busta Rhymes smiles with his newly-purchased Playstation 3 consoles, after being the one of the first customers to purchase a console inside the Sony Style Plaza, in New York City, on November 16. - REUTERS

(Bangshowbiz):

Busta Rhymes is facing a prison sentence following further criminal charges.

The rapper stands accused of criminal possession of a weapon, which carries a one-year jail sentence, after a machete was found in his car in August.

The 34-year-old star appeared at the Manhattan Criminal Court under his real name Trevor Smith, and remained silent as both sides filed motions on Monday.

The Manhattan District Attorney's Office is already pursuing assault and harassment charges dating back to August 12.

Rhymes stands accused of repeatedly punching and kicking fan Roberto Lebron, who was treated for concussion, a split lip and an injured wrist. Rhymes said he flew into a rage after he saw Lebron spitting on his car.

The hip-hop star was originally accused of felony assault and harassment charges, along with weapon possession - after police searched Rhymes' vehicle and found a 10-inch blade.

A prop

Rhymes' lawyer Scott Leemon insisted the knife was 'a prop' and did not warrant a criminal charge.

During an October hearing, Manhattan Criminal Court judge Shawndya Simpson dropped the charges of possession of a weapon, but ordered the rapper to stand trial on assault and harassment charges.

However, the District Attorney's Office on Monday filed a misdemeanour charge of criminal possession of a weapon and the charges were reinstated.

Leemon has accused authorities of targeting Rhymes because of his silence over the unsolved murder of his 29-year-old bodyguard Israel Ramirez during a video shoot in February.

Rhymes' will next appear in court on February 20.