Foxy Brown News

After being nailed for some bad behavior, Foxy Brown is getting some props for good conduct.

The hot-tempered rapper, who has gotten into altercations with employees at both a nail salon and a beauty-supply store in recent years, will avoid jail time following a positive progress hearing.

A Manhattan judge ruled Thursday that Foxy (real name: Inga Marchand) has managed to stay out of trouble since a temper tantrum a Florida store in February, and has kept appointments with her probation officer, passed her drug tests, and attended anger-management classes. Thus, she will no longer need court monitoring and will be placed back on probation.

"I see a positive probation report here," Criminal Court Judge Melissa Jackson said during the hearing. "I'm going to restore you to probation. It was a real struggle to get you on board. I want to see you finish this sentence and go on to a happy life."

It's a far cry from just a few months ago, when Brown was threatened with jail time for a probation violation. The rapper was sentenced to three years' probation for an August 2004 nail salon flap when she assaulted two manicurists in Manhattan. In February, she was picked up in Florida for throwing hair glue and spitting at an employee of Queen Beauty Supply when he told her the store was closing.

Brown had traveled to Florida without permission, and Jackson could have tossed the 27-year-old rap diva in jail for up to a year, which was why she was in front of the judge Thursday.

But it was a kinder, gentler Foxy Brown who smiled demurely and thanked the judge following the ruling.

About the only person who wasn't happy with the outcome was Probation Department attorney Mathilda Leo, who wanted the judge to make the Brooklyn rapper wait two more months before restoring her probation.

Despite the gold star from Jackson, Brown isn't free and clear. was charged with battery and resisting an officer with violence following the Florida incident. That case is still pending after she refused to accept a plea deal.