A judge in Phoenix has issued a warrant for the arrest of US rapper DMX after he missed a court appearance.

The rapper had been due to appear at Maricopa County Superior Court to face charges of drug possession, identity theft and animal cruelty.

It is the second time the rapper, whose charges relate to three felony arrests, has failed to appear at the same court.

Judge Michael Kemp said he will have to pay a $120,000 bond or face jail when he appears.

DMX’s attorney, Charles Kolzelka, told the Associated Press that the rapper is currently undergoing a course of rehab.

In September, DMX was admitted to a hospital in Florida just 24 hours before his scheduled court appearance in Arizona.

(by Jason Gregory)