McDONOUGH, Ga. (AP) — Music producer Shawty Redd has been found not guilty of a murder charge that stemmed from his 2010 New Year’s Day arrest.

Redd, whose real name is Demetrius Lee Stewart, was accused of shooting 35-year-old Damon A. Martin of Detroit during an argument at Stewart’s home in Hampton, about 30 miles southeast of Atlanta.

Henry County District Attorney Tommy Floyd says Redd was cleared of the murder charge Thursday after judge Wade Crumbley determined that the producer acted in self-defense.

Redd became known for producing tracks for Rick Ross, Young Jeezy and Gucci Mane. His breakthrough came when he produced Snoop Dogg’s 2007 single “Sexual Seduction.”

Copyright 2011 The Associated Press.