NEW YORK?Rapper Lil Wayne was led from a New York court in handcuffs Monday to spend a year in prison on a gun charge -- though he will not have to mix with dangerous criminals.

The platinum-selling performer had put off judgment day thanks to a courthouse fire that disrupted proceedings last week, as well as a court-approved time-out for him to undergo surgery on his diamond-encrusted teeth.

The 27-year-old winner of four Grammys in 2009 made no statement after New York state Judge Charles Solomon handed down the sentence.

His lawyer, Stacey Richman, said Wayne would be detained at New York's Rikers Island jail complex, but would be separated from the general prison population for his safety.

"He is going to be in protective custody, because of who he is," Richman said. "He did not want to, but the department of correction said it's mandatory. He cannot be with other detainees."

The diminutive, heavily tattooed singer pleaded guilty in October to the attempted weapons charge after a .40 caliber pistol was found on his tour bus, although not actually in his possession.

Wayne, who was born Dwayne Michael Carter, could be out of prison in as little as eight months if he demonstrates good behavior.

According to pop music site MTV.com, "Wayne has spent his unexpected free time partying in NYC, traveling back to his Miami home and, of course, recording" in the past week.

Richman said the rapper was "an unstoppable musician."