Rapper Jim Jones admitted to punching a friend of singer Ne-Yo in the face, during at fight at the Fifth Avenue Louis Vuitton in Manhattan in December 2008.

The Harlem rapper pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor assault charge for punching Jayvon Smith during a December 22 scuffle while he and Ne-Yo were browsing for clothes.

For the guilty plea, Jones was sentenced to time served -- which was the few hours he was in custody after turning himself in to police in January.

"He didn't want to risk probation," Leemon said of Jones' decision to fess up rather than to go to trial. Probation could have hindered the rapper's touring schedule, he said.

He originally pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Jones was caught on video pummeling Smith in front of Ne-Yo by surveillance cameras in the store. Smith is younger brother of Jay-Z's road manager, whom Jones doesn't like so much.

"I'm just working with some music and trying to stay clear of trouble," Jones said.

A $7 million lawsuit filed by Smith is still pending.