Rapper DMX files for bankruptcy protection to ‘reorganize’ finances

Rapper DMX, who has been in and out of jail after a slew of arrests over the past few years, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection due to years of “financial strains� and “poor financial management.�

The “Ruff Ryders Anthem� and “Party (Up In Here)� rapper, 42, whose real name is Earl Simmons, made the announcement Monday following an arrest in South Carolina last week.

“DMX’s financial strains have been inhibiting his career for several years,� said a statement from his publicist, Domenick Nati.

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In the filing, DMX listed less than $50,000 in assets and $1 million to $10 million in debt, according to the Wall Street Journal, which said the filing took place in Manhattan Bankruptcy Court.

The father of 10 children -- four of whom he had with ex-wife Tashera Simmons and six through extramarital affairs -- reportedly owes $1.24 million in child support and more than $21,000 on an auto lease. The documents said he filed for bankruptcy “to enable me to reorganize my financial affairs.�

“Poor financial management by prior representation have caused him to be ineligible to retain a passport,� Nati said. “The purpose of this bankruptcy filing is for reorganization so he can perform for his fans oversees.�

The filing comes as the New York native, who currently resides in South Carolina, is planning a tour in Europe and Africa for the fall of 2013, Nati said.

DMX released his seventh studio album, “Undisputed,� in 2012 but has been a recurring news figure as of late because of his legal track record.

Last week, he was arrested again in South Carolina on suspicion of DUI, driving without a license and driving without a seat belt. However, a rep said, he was not charged with DUI because he passed a breath test in jail and was released after posting $1,235 in bail.

In February, DMX was arrested and charged with driving without a license. He was taken to jail, then released after paying a fine. His then-5-month-old daughter was said to have been a passenger in the car at the time.

The rapper had just completed a stint in prison after his probation was revoked for -- surprise -- driving without a license, and because he refused to submit to a drug test.

DMX has also been arrested on charges of speeding after officials said he was driving 102 mph in a Phoenix suburb. He was arrested on drug and animal-cruelty charges following an overnight raid on his house in 2008.

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