NEW YORK, US - Chart-topping US rapper Lil Wayne faced a one-year prison sentence Thursday after pleading guilty to carrying an illegal weapon, a judicial source said.

The tattooed rap artist, who currently tops the Billboard singles chart, could have received up to 15 years in jail, but decided to accept a plea bargain in a New York court.

Wayne, whose real name is Dwayne Michael Carter, admitted to carrying a loaded revolver onboard his tour bus in 2007.

The 27-year-old won four Grammys in 2008, including awards for best rap song, best rap album and best rap solo performance.

The sentence is expected to be handed down next February a spokesperson for the prosecution said.

His bail was to be set at US$30,000. (S$41910)

-AFP