Busta Rhymes has found himself in continuing legal hot water after a would-be autograph hunter alleged that Busta beat him "without rhyme or reason".

The animated rapper, whose on-stage persona resembles a toddler after too many blue smarties, has been uncharacteristically languid about cooperating with a police investigation into the recent fatal shooting of a bodyguard.

And now 37-year-old New Yorker Melvin Smith has alleged that Busta and his bodyguard Troy pounded him with their "hands and fists" after Smith approached them.

Smith has now filed an assault suit, with his lawyer claiming that his client was so severely beaten that he has been unable to work due to back and neck injuries following the alleged assault six months ago.

"My client was not aggressive in seeking the autograph," lawyer Bruce Regenstreich told MTV. "Melvin went in to get an autograph and got a knuckle sandwich instead."

A spokesperson for Busta (Trevor Smith to his mum) declined to comment on the law suit. Coincidentally, Busta has left town to finish work on a video.