Troubled rapper Dmx has been arrested for a fifth time this year - over allegations of identity theft.

The star - real name Earl Simmons - was detained by police in Phoenix, Arizona on Saturday on suspicion of giving a false name and social security number to a hospital - to avoid paying for his medical expenses.

Simmons is accused of visiting the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, Arizona, in April and giving medical officials the fake name of Troy Jones.

He then allegedly failed to pay a $7,500 bill.

Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio says, "He's back in jail again. I don't know why judges keep letting this guy out. Every time he goes in there, he gets out on bond. I'm hoping this is the one time he's going to pay the penalty for his offence."

The latest arrest is just one of many legal woes the hip-hop star has faced so far this year. In January, he was arrested for allegedly speeding down a Phoenix, Arizona freeway. In May, he was charged with suspected drug possession and animal cruelty following raids on his Arizona home.

A month later in June the star was arrested for allegedly attempting to buy drugs from an undercover officer, and earlier this month he was taken into police custody for violating his bail terms relating to a previous incident in June of driving without a valid licence.