Rapper Dmx has denied animal cruelty and drug possession charges.

The star - real name Earl Simmons - was arrested and charged with seven misdemeanour counts of cruelty at his Arizona home on May 9.

Police took five pit bull puppies into care, and discovered a cache of weapons and drugs - which resulted in further charges.

On Thursday, Simmons was due before Maricopa County Superior Court, but turned up one hour late.

He pleaded guilty to the charges and was arraigned to appear on July 2.

In 2005, Simmons was sentenced to ten extra days in prison because he was almost two hours late to court, after being sentenced to 70 days in jail for violating the terms of his probation.