By Shayna Jacobs
DNAinfo Reporter/Producer
MANHATTAN SUPREME COURT — Rapper Ja Rule was sentenced to a 2-year state prison term Wednesday afternoon after pleading guilty to gun possession late last year.
The 35-year-old artist blew kisses and waved to his tearful wife and other supporters before he was placed in handcuffs and led to the back of the courtroom after a brief proceeding.
He appeared before the judge clad in a dark grey Nike sweatsuit and bright white sneakers. He declined to speak when the judge offered him the chance.
"See ya'll later! We love you!" one family member shouted as he was escorted out of the courtroom.
"Love ya'll too," said the performer, whose real name is Jeffrey Atkins.
Atkins pleaded guilty to attempted weapons possession in the second degree on Dec. 13, in exchange for a promised sentence of two years behind bars. He had been arrested in connection to a July 22, 2007 traffic stop on West End Avenue as he left a performance at the Beacon Theater.
He will likely serve 18 months of a two year sentence on good behavior.
Police charged Atkins and his uncle and then road manager Dennis Cherry, a passenger in the $250,000 Maybach, with gun possession. Cherry previously pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor.
As Atkins, a father of three, entered the courthouse Wednesday, flanked by his wife Aisha and attorney Stacey Richman, Atkins had a message for his fans and camera crews.
"See ya'll in 18. One love," he said after signing autographs for several fans.
Atkins' arrest occurred the same night Lil' Wayne was picked up and charged with weapons possession. They were leaving the same concert.
Wayne, also known as Dwayne Carter, was released after serving eight months at Rikers Island on a guilty plea.
After the sentencing Wednesday, Richman said she believed the sentence and deal were unjust because Atkins is not a danger and his incarceration would not serve to deter gun crimes.
"He is a phenomenal father. He is what we want in our communities," Richman said.
Atkins may also be sentenced to up to three years in prison on a federal tax evasion conviction in New Jersey. It is not yet known whether that judge will agree to consider his New York State prison time in his tax punishment.
