Canine court case dogs US rapper

DMX has sold more than 20 million albums worldwide

US rapper DMX failed to honour a contract promoting a dog clothing line, a New York court has ruled.

The performer - real name Earl Simmons - had agreed to promote the Boomer 129 line of caps, scarves and raincoats.

But the 36-year-old failed to plug the merchandise on TV and at concerts and even publicised rival brands, the Associated Press has reported.

DMX has been ordered to pay $242,000 (£119,176) to Amusing Diversions Inc, the company that produced the clothing.

The ruling by the Manhattan state Supreme Court was made on 25 July, but not made public until Tuesday.

Tattoo

Launched in 2003, the Boomer 129 line was named after Simmons' own pit bull terrier.

The rapper - whose most recent album was entitled Year of the Dog... Again - has his late pet's name tattooed on his back.

The court case is just the latest legal wrangle in which the rapper turned actor has been involved.

The controversial performer has been charged with a string of driving offences and was arrested at London's Heathrow Airport last year for abusing airline staff.