Kanya West Files Counterclaim Against Paparazzi Photographer — Tha Wire [VIDEO]

Kanye West filed a counterclaim in the civil suit filed against him, by a photographer who says the rapper assaulted him at LAX. 

Kanye is claiming he was acting in self-defense.  TMZ was able to obtain the court docs, in which Kanye claims “his safety was in immediate danger” when the photographer approached him at the airport. As a result, the rapper had to carry out the “assault” necessary for his self-defense.

I don’t know if he seen the same clip we did, but judging by the video, Yeezy might have a difficult time defending his argument.

As we previously reported, Kanye has been charged with criminal battery and attempted grand theft stemming from the July 19 altercation with the paparazzo photographer, Daniel Ramos.  Ramos filed suit and claims that his tussle with Kanye left him on crutches for two weeks.

If a judge doesn't see things Kanyes way he may have to spend a little time in jail.  Find out how much time below with Tha Wire.

In other news, when it comes to Diddy, it’s still all about the Benjamins. The Bad Boy mogul is the new cash king, according to Forbes’ annual list of Hip Hops top earners.

The business magazine listed the world’s highest-paid hip-hop artists of 2013 and Diddy comes in at No. 1 with a cool $50 million earned over the past 12 months. Thanks to business ventures with Ciroc, Sean John clothing line and his label Bad Boy Records etc.

As no surprise, Jay Z came in at #2 with $43 million while  Dr. Dre earned ($40 million) taking 3rd place.  Listen to Tha Wire below and find out what Hip Hop artists took the #4 and 5 spots on the list.

Finally, K. Michelle has finally arrived and part of being a superstar, as Biggie put it, more money brings more problems.  In K’s case, she’s allegedly got some BIG problems with the IRS.  The IRS filed a $52,000 lien against the star for not paying taxes in 2008 and 2009.

I got a breakdown on what she allegedly owes Uncle Sam inside Tha Wire below, so be sure to check it out.  With the latest celebs like Lauren Hill and Fat Joe going to jail, I think it’s clear when Uncle Sam wants his money, he wants it.

Meanwhile, K. addressed the lien via Instagram this morning, saying simply. "Nice try bloggers, it's already been settled."

For the rest of today's juicy details press play to hear Tha Wire now: