Busta Rhymes charged with assault after throwing protein shake at Chelsea gym employee

NEW YORK -- Rapper Busta Rhymes has been charged with assault after allegedly throwing a protein drink at a Manhattan gym employee.

Authorities say 43-year-old Rhymes, whose real name is Trevor Tahiem Smith Jr., was arrested around 8:30 p.m. Wednesday. The incident happened at Steel Gym in the city's Chelsea neighborhood.

A spokesman for the New York Police Department says the Brooklyn-born rapper and the worker had been involved in a dispute that escalated. He says Rhymes allegedly threw a 17-ounce cardboard container of strawberry protein drink at the man, hitting him in the head. It wasn't immediately known if there were injuries.

A lawyer for Rhymes, known for his songs "Gimme Some More" and "Dangerous," tells The Daily News he's confident Rhymes will beat the second degree assault charge.

Rhymes posted a message on Instagram to his followers:

"Thanks to everyone who helped expedite this evening for me. I'm good and we're back to the grind. Heading 2 the studio 2 turn the bullshit into GREATNESS. I'm super good. #THECONGLOMERATE."

Court information wasn't immediately available.