El DeBarge Heads Back to Rehab

After forging a comeback last year with the release of his new album 'Second Chance,' El DeBarge has fallen off the sobriety wagon. The falsetto crooner, whose history with substance abuse has long been documented, has voluntarily checked himself back into a rehabilitation facility to seek treatment for an assumed relapse.

"I hate to disappoint my fans but it is necessary for me to take the time to work on me so that I may continue to share my music and mystory with everyone," said the singer in a statement. "I thank everyone in advance for their prayers and well wishes and hope that you will respect my privacy during this time."

The 49-year-old has been battling drug abuse for the past decade. In 2001, he was arrested for cocaine possession, and was again detained in 2006 for possession of a controlled substance. DeBarge was set to hit the road with headlining act KEM and opener Ledisi on an upcoming tour, but was replaced by Musiq (Soulchild) earlier today.

The Michigan native, formerly a member of his family's group DeBarge, most recently released his fifth album 'Second Chance' last November. He opened for Mary J. Blige on her North American tour, and gave a standout performance at the 2010 Soul Train Music Awards.