Harlem rapper Jim Jones is going on trial to face charges he beat up a pal of R&B star Ne-Yo’s in the Fifth Ave. Louis Vuitton store last year.
Jones, whose fourth solo album hit stores Tuesday, rejected a plea deal for 10 days of community service in the misdemeanor assault case. The case stemmed from his Dec. 22 skirmish with Jayvon Smith.
Sporting a diamond-encrusted pinky ring, the rapper showed up in court hours before an appearance at the Union Square Virgin MegaStore to promote his newest release, “Pray IV Reign.”
“This was my first event of the day,” Jones said as he left Manhattan Criminal Court Tuesday. “I came to court so I don’t get a warrant.”
In court, a judge set the “Pop Champagne” rapper’s trial for April 21.
Jones’ defense attorney, Scott Leemon, said his client is innocent, and that Smith is after a payday.
“This is nothing more than a setup for a civil suit,” Leemon said, adding that witnesses, including Ne-Yo, said Smith got physical first. Smith sued Jones for $7 million.
Prosecutors gave Leemon surveillance video from the luxury boutique which, sources said, caught Jones “hitting and kicking” Smith in front of Ne-Yo.
The store skirmish was part of an ongoing dispute between Jones, 32, and Smith, the younger brother of superstar rapper Jay-Z’s road manager.