Rapper DMX arrested for driving without a license in South Carolina

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Rapper DMX was arrested early Wednesday in South Carolina for driving without a license after a police officer spotted him at a local gas station and pulled him over after he drove away.

DMX, real name Earl Simmons, was booked at the Spartanburg County jail around 2 a.m. Wednesday, and was released after paying a fine and appearing before a judge, Fox Carolina reported.

The Spartanburg County Sheriff's Report said the arresting officer recognized Simmons, who had previously been ticketed in nearby Greer and Duncan counties and ticketed for driving without a license, deputies said.

The officer spotted him going into the store at the Lil' Cricket gas station on Gap Creek Road around 1 a.m., and followed him a short distance after he drove away. A state DMV search showed he only has a state identification card.

Simmons' car was turned over to a licensed passenger who was also in the car. His 5-month-old daughter was also in the car.