A New York judge yesterday ruled Shyne could use the money to defend himself against a civil lawsuit relating to the 1999 Club New York shooting incident.

Shyne is serving 10 years sentenced for his involvement in a 1999 shooting at Club NY, He hopes to be released from prison next year.

The rapper is also trying to get his $500,000 advance from a five-album deal that he signed with Island Def Jam in March 2004 and was frozen by the court by the "Son of Sam" law that which prevent criminals from profiting from their crimes.

His lawyer claim that the rapper family is broke “He was the solo support of his family," said attorney Oscar Michelen. "They're in very difficult financial circumstances."

Shyne’s assets including royalties from his 2004 album, “Godfather Buried Alive” - are frozen until civil lawsuits filed against him by three wounded people are resolved.

He olso changed his name from Jamal Barrow, to Moses Michael Levy.