Knight must perform 200 hours' community service

Knight, the founder of rap label Death Row Records, had four out of five charges against him dropped during a Los Angeles court hearing on Tuesday.

One charge was upheld and Knight was ordered to perform 200 hours of community service.

His lawyer, David Chesnoff, said: "Knight and I were both very pleased with the result."

Knight, 37, a powerful figure in the US rap industry during the 1990s, had been in prison since his arrest on 23 December for allegedly associating with gang members.

His release was ordered after authorities took into account the 61 days he had spent in custody.

"We appreciate the fairness of the proceedings," said Mr Chesnoff.

"I'm just sorry he had to be in custody for two months but happy he's going back to work."

Knight had denied the charges during the one-day hearing at the men's central jail in Los Angeles, which was held behind closed doors.

He had earlier served five years in prison for assault and weapons violations.

Knight's hugely successful Death Row label - since renamed Tha Row - brought rappers such as Tupac Shakur and Snoop Doggy Dogg to worldwide prominence.

During the 1990s it led the US west coast's "gangsta rap" scene which became notorious for its alleged links with violent gun crime.