PHOENIX, Arizona (AP) — Authorities in Arizona say rapper DMX has been arrested for allegedly violating his probation by using drugs.

DMX, whose real name is Earl Simmons, had served about half of his 18-month supervised probation when he was booked Tuesday night into the downtown Phoenix jail. The rapper was released from jail in May after serving a 90-day sentence for felony convictions including cruelty to animals, theft and two drug counts.

Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio told The Arizona Republic that his deputies have arrested Simmons five times now, including an August 2007 raid on the rapper’s north Phoenix home where they found 12 neglected dogs, three buried dogs, drugs and a cache of weapons.

Simmons pleaded guilty in late December to cruelty to animals, theft and two drug counts. In 2008, Simmons was arrested for speeding on a Phoenix highway and allegedly going to a Scottsdale clinic and giving a false name to receive care with the intent of not paying.

Akon records song for Bollywood film

MUMBAI, India (AFP) — US R&B star Akon is to record a track for a Bollywood film, following in the footsteps of rapper Snoop Dogg who raised his profile in the 1.2-billion-strong Indian market with a similar foray.

The Grammy Award-nominated star will contribute to the soundtrack of RA.One, a sci-fi action film currently in production starring heartthrob Shah Rukh Khan as a flying superhero and actress Kareena Kapoor as his love interest.

Unlike Snoop Dogg, who featured on the soundtrack of the 2008 Bollywood film Singh is Kinng, Akon will sing in local language Hindi.

Khan told a news conference in Mumbai on Tuesday: “He (Akon) is a gracious person. He will record a song in Hindi and will also feature in the video. He has flown with his family, friends and team of musicians.”

Akon, known for his collaborations with other artistes such as Lady Gaga, has given his services for free, Khan added.

“India is my next focus area,” Akon told reporters. “I want to try different things, want to explore… want to enjoy my work. We have the same kind of entertainment, the only difference is of tradition and language.”