NAS PLEADS NOT GUILTY TO CRIMINAL CONTEMPT CHARGE IN DIVORCE CASE WITH KELIS!

LOS ANGELES -- Nas faces a criminal contempt charge for unpaid child and spousal support in his divorce from fellow singer Kelis (kehl-EES').

The rapper pleaded not guilty through his attorney and was ordered back for a March hearing in Los Angeles.

Kelis' attorney says Nas (NAHZ) is $200,000 behind on child and spousal support. He was ordered to pay more than $51,000 per month to his former wife and infant son in December.

Judge David S. Cunningham III, who is overseeing the divorce proceedings, said Friday it's starting to look like the rapper is trying to evade court orders.

One of Nas' attorneys, Anthony Ukran, told Cunningham the rapper needs more time to prepare his defense and show he's unable to pay the court-ordered support amounts.

Kelis filed for divorce in May.