BUSTA RHYMES GETS PROBATION IN ASSAULT CASE: Rapper says he has 'no problem being a good dude.'

Busta Rhymes was sentenced to three years of probation on Tuesday for two separate assaults that took place in 2006.

The rapper, born Trevor Smith, dropped his innocent plea in January to avoid a trial and a possible one-year prison sentence sought by prosecutors. He pleaded guilty to assault, two driving infractions and weapons possession and began serving his sentence on Tuesday.

"I have no problem being a good dude because that's what I am," Rhymes, 35, told reporters outside the courtroom.

His sentence stems from a December 2006 charge of beating up his chauffeur, and an August 2006 incident in which he attacked a fan who spat on his car.