Rapper DMX is back in an Arizona jail

(Agencies)
2010-11-22 09:53
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Rapper DMX is back in an Arizona jail

Troubled rapper DMX is back in an Arizona jail for drug-related probation violations including cocaine use, court officials said on Friday.

The rapper, whose real name is Earl Simmons, was taken into custody without incident Thursday night in Phoenix by probation officers, authorities said. He is being held in a county jail without bond.

Simmons, 39, was arrested on suspicion of seven probation violations, including illegal possession of the drug Oxycontin, failing to submit to drug testing and counseling programs and driving with a suspended license, according to court documents.

"Mr. Simmons has several felony convictions, and has been given multiple opportunities to succeed on probation," court papers said. "He has been directed to treatment, as well as chose his own treatment program, and continues to use illegal drugs following these opportunities."

The rapper, whose albums include "It's Dark and Hell is Hot" and "Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood," last violated his probation in March by using illegal drugs and was sentenced to six months in jail and another 20 months probation by a court commissioner. At the time, authorities said he admitted using cocaine and failed to comply with the terms of his treatment plan.

It was unclear how long he might stay in jail for this new round of probation violations. An attorney for Simmons could not immediately be reached for comment on Friday.

DMX has a long record of arrests in Arizona for crimes that

range from animal cruelty to reckless driving and weapons possession. He most recently served time in a Los Angeles County jail on a 2002 reckless driving charge.

Along with his music, the rapper starred in the movies "Romeo Must Die" and "Cradle 2 The Grave."