The rapper DMX has been sentenced to six months in prison after failing to pay $400,000 (£255,000) of child support. The 44-year-old rapper, whose real name is Earl Simmons, was placed in the Erie County holding center in Buffalo, New York, on 14 July, according to the Erie County sheriff’s office.

DMX was arrested on 26 June, before a performance at Radio City Music Hall, to answer several “issues outstanding”. As well as the unpaid child support, they included a robbery complaint in Newark, New Jersey – for which no charges were filed – and a warrant for bail jumping in White Plains, New York.

According to the local broadcaster WIVB, DMX has “a history of crime in Erie County, including over child support and traffic violations”.

DMX has served several spells in prison, and has been arrested many times, for offences including possession of drugs, animal cruelty, parole violation, driving without a license and driving under the influence of alcohol.

In the late 90s and early 00s, DMX was one of hip-hop’s biggest stars. His first five albums all topped the US charts. His most recent album, 2012’s Undisputed, reached No 19 in the US.