Rapper Busta Rhymes is a self-absorbed hothead who launched into an offensive tirade against the man he was accused of assaulting over the summer at a Chelsea gym, the alleged victim told The Post.
Speaking out for the first time, Steel Gym staffer Ole Hernandez said Rhymes’ Aug. 5 blowup was sparked by a perceived slight days before, when the employee told the rapper’s cameraman he wasn’t allowed inside without permission.
Rhymes, 43, whose real name is Trevor Smith, got wind of the perceived diss and came to the gym on Aug. 4 breathing fire, Hernandez, 33, recalled.
“You don’t know who I am! I’m Busta Rhymes!” the rapper bellowed, according to Hernandez. “I’m the real n–ga! You’re a f–king f–got, you are a p–sy! You are a Mexican crossing the border to come to this country, I will f–k you up.”
Gym surveillance video doesn’t capture audio of the spat, but Rhymes can be seen reaching across the counter and gesticulating in Hernandez’s face until his security guard pulls him away.
Gym owner Ken Hunt said he was incensed that Rhymes used gay and racial slurs in front of other members, some of whom are gay or black.
So when Rhymes returned to the gym the next day, Hernandez, under orders from his boss, told the “Woo Hah!!” rapper he had to talk to the owner if he wanted to enter — sparking a violent temper tantrum.
In video exclusively obtained by The Post, Rhymes is seen splashing water on Hernandez, who returns with a water toss of his own.
Rhymes returns fire by throwing a Lean Body chocolate protein shake, which hits Hernandez in the head and then splatters all over the glass display case and floor, the video shows.
Off camera, one of Rhymes’ security guards went behind the counter and allegedly shoved Hernandez into an office door, breaking it, claims Hernandez, who says he went to the hospital, where he was treated for swelling and scratches to his head.
Rhymes was arrested for felony assault and cut a deal with prosecutors, pleading guilty to a violation charge — akin to a traffic ticket — of harassment and agreeing to take anger-management classes.
Hernandez says he is furious that the rapper was able to cut a no-jail, no-record deal. But Rhymes was right about one thing.
“I don’t even know who he is,” Hernandez sniffed. “I am a Mexican, I like mariachi. I don’t like rap.”
