A$AP Rocky claims that self-defense is what drove him to attack a man inside a New York City clothing store last summer.

The "F-----' Problems" rapper has offered a legal response to a lawsuit brought against him over the beat down. Alleged victim Shencik Alcine claims that Rocky got physical after he spotted the Harlem native doing drugs inside the store.

On the contrary, Rocky claims that he was the one hurt by Alcine, according to the paperwork he filed in New York. He alleges to have been left with no choice but to swing on Alcine.

Police later arrested Rocky for burglary and assault, but not over the altercation with Alcine, rather, for fighting two amateur photographers filming the incident.

Rocky — aka Rakim Mayers — struck a deal in the case, pleading guilty to attempted grand larceny for trying to jack one of the photographer's cameras. He was sentenced to three days of community service and ordered to pay a small fine.

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(Photo: John Ricard / BET)