US rapper DMX has been arrested for the sixth time this year, after a warrant was issued by a judge in Phoenix.

The rapper, whose real name is Earl Simmons, was taken into custody in Miami after he failed to appear in court on Tuesday to face charges of possessing drugs.

Simmons's lawyer had claimed he missed his appearance in court because he had checked into a hospital in Miami.

Charles Kozelka also said that DMX planned on beginning a course of rehab.

The rapper was arrested twice last month after he failed to appear in court for driving without a license.

He was also taken into custody in May on suspicion of animal cruelty after dogs were found neglected at his home.

(by Jason Gregory)