2 Chainz was arrested yesterday, May 22, after TSA agents at New York’s LaGuardia airport found what was reported to be brass knuckles inside his carry-on bag. Now free, the rapper says it was his signature four-finger ring that caused the stir, and accused the authorities af trying to “assassinate my swag.”

“I do exclusive pieces,” 2 Chainz told MTV News after being released. “People weren’t doing four-finger rings and all that. I just like to set myself apart, so I definitely wasn’t trying to beat nobody up on the airplane or nothing.”

2 Chainz was charged with misdemeanor possession of a weapon in the 4th degree. After spending nearly eight hours in custody, he pleaded guilty to a lesser unspecified charge.

“They tried to assassinate my character, they tried to assassinate my swag,” 2 Chainz said. “It was just a negative dilemma earlier where someone misconstrued a piece of jewelry for a weapon and stuff. They locked me up for it, which is an experience I haven’t had in a while. I don’t do jail things anymore.”

The arrest surely won’t stop 2 Chainz from swinging on stage as part of Drake’s Club Paradise tour. He’s also linked up with the “Respect My Vote” campaign, which is aimed at young voters and the importance of participatory democracy.

–E. Parker, CBS Local