Rapper DMX was arrested in Phoenix for investigation of violating probation by using drugs, authorities said.
Court documents released on Friday allege the 39-year-old performer used cocaine and OxyContin, failed to submit to drug testing, and drove on a suspended licence.
DMX, whose real name is Earl Simmons, was arrested on Thursday by Maricopa County probation officers and was being held without bond in the county jail.
His lawyer, Glenn Allen, said he had been working with his client and probation officials and expected the arrest.
"It is very frustrating that the probation department would time it in such a way to violate Mr Simmons right before the holiday and just a few weeks shy of the termination date of the probation," Allen said in an email to The Associated Press. "Mr Simmons has been working very hard and will overcome this setback."
Simmons was placed on probation last year after convictions for attempted aggravated assault for throwing a food tray at a jail guard, and theft for trying to using a fake name to avoid paying a $US7,500 ($A7,595) hospital bill.
He has completed probation for 2009 felony convictions for cruelty to animals and two drug counts.
Maricopa County adult probation officers went to Simmons' north Phoenix home Thursday to take him into custody. He also is accused of failing to participate in counselling programs and make required payments.
"He has been directed to treatment as well as chose his own treatment program and continues to use drugs following these opportunities," a probation officer wrote in a court document requesting that DMX be held without bond. "His ongoing drug use places him in great danger."
Simmons could face prison time because of his repeated probation violations and officials will likely ask that his probation be revoked, said Zach Dal Pra, chief deputy of the county adult probation department.
Simmons' other legal troubles include pleading guilty in 2008 to attempted cocaine and marijuana possession in Miami, and pleading guilty in a 2004 incident in which he posed as an undercover federal agent and crashed his sport-utility vehicle through a security gate at New York's John F Kennedy International Airport.
DMX recorded such hits as "Get At Me Dog" and "Party Up" in the 1990s. He also appeared in films including 2000's "Romeo Must Die" and 2003's "Cradle 2 the Grave."
