Rapper Busta Rhymes was ordered to stay away from convicted felons for three years - unless the criminals are on stage with him.

A showbiz-savvy judge sentenced the hip-hop star to three years of probation, but gave Rhymes permission to share the mike with ex-cons like Lil' Kim or Snoop Dogg.

"I got no problems with being a good dude because that's what I am," said Rhymes, whose real name is Trevor Smith. "It's just a little formality I gotta get past."

The 35-year-old "Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Could See" star also got 10 days of community service for beating his former driver and a fan.

[nydn]