Chart-topping rap star DMX has been arrested at a shop in Florida after failing to appear in an Arizona court on drug charges, authorities said.
The troubled 37-year-old, real name Earl Simmons, failed to appear to answer charges relating to possession of marijuana and other illegal substances, one of several legal battles he faces in the US.
He was arrested in May on drug and animal cruelty charges after police raided his home in Arizona. Authorities alleged that there were dog carcasses and malnourished pit bulls at the residence.
The Year of the Dog…Again star has a lengthy criminal record and negative association with authorities.
Diagnosed as having bi-polar disorder, DMX’s disreputable history includes being accused but cleared of rape and stabbing charges, attempted car theft, impersonating a FBI agent, criminal mischief and attacking prison guards.
Sheriff Joe Arpaio, who arrested DMX, said: “This guy is treating our legal system like a revolving door and it’s time we closed the cell door on him.”
Simmons, often seen as the biggest artist of hardcore rap after the murder of Tupac Shakur, saw his first five albums open at number one in the US pop album charts, a record for a hip hop act.
He has also acted in several action movies, including Romeo Must Die Cradle and “Exit Wounds.
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