DMX has been arrested in a mall in Phoenix after allegedly giving a false name and social security number to avoid paying medical expenses.

The rapper, whose real name is Earl Simmons, is understood to have used the name Troy Jones during a visit to the Mayo Clinic in Arizona.

Cops in Phoenix also said that the he had failed to pay a $7,500 bill for his hospital visit in April.

DMX had been arrested earlier this month after he failed to appear in court for criminal speeding, public endangerment, reckless driving and driving on a suspended license.

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

The sheriff said that if DMX stays in jail he would be kept seperate from other inmates for his own safety. "They may not like his music," he said.

Ouch.