PHOENIX (AP) - Rapper Earl Simmons, also known as DMX, is
denying he violated his probation.

Simmons appeared in a Phoenix courtroom Wednesday morning and
denied he used cocaine and OxyContin.

Court documents allege the 39-year-old performer failed to
submit to drug testing, and drove on a suspended license.

He was arrested last Thursday and was being held without bond in
the Maricopa County jail.

Maricopa County court commissioner Christine Mulleneaux has set
Simmons' next hearing for Dec. 9.

Simmons' attorney said he had been working with his client and
probation officials, and expected the arrest.

Simmons was placed on probation last year after convictions for
attempted aggravated assault for throwing a food tray at a jail
guard, and theft for trying to using a fake name to avoid paying a
$7,500 hospital bill.

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)