Rapper Trick Daddy has been fighting a secret battle with autoimmune disease Lupus for the last 12 years. The Miami, Florida star, real name Maurice Young, revealed his health struggle during a radio interview on Monday (23Mar09).

Promoting his upcoming autobiography, Magic City: Trials of a Native Son, the rap star said, "I went to the doctor, like, 12 years ago. She took all kinds of tests, because I was trying to get rid of what we call dry skin; she did biopsies and blood tests and swab tests. She told me I have lupus."

The diagnosis has kept Trick Daddy out of the sun ever since: "I am allergic highly to the sun, that’s my worst enemy. It’s like an AK-47 (gun) with a double clip on it."

But the rapper is determined not to let the incurable condition affect his daily routine. He adds, "A lot of people try to cover it up with regular make-up. It makes your skin pigmented. You can go from dark to light and not light to dark. You have to cover it up and conceal it."

But he isn't one to complain: "My mama had 11 children from 10 different men. If she can live with that, I know I can live with this." (MT/WNWCAH/KL)

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