The Michigan star - real name ERIC T BREED - was sentenced on Thursday (11MAY06) for the $200,000 (GBP111,111) violation, despite pleading lack of funds.

He said, "I'm in so much debt right now that it makes my head spin every time I think about it."

However, a 1999 confession to attempted no support gave Genesee Circuit Court Judge RICHARD YULLIE little option but to impose the 12-month sentence.

He said, "Someone looking at this file would ask me why did I give Mr Breed so many opportunities?

"You have not met your obligations you have in respect to supporting these children."

The court ruling supercedes another 12-month prison spell ordered in a separate child support case. However, the rapper saw outstanding charges of failing to pay a speeding ticket and driving with a suspended license waived on heading to jail, reports AllHipHop.com.