Nick Cannon's 'keeping up with Mariah' debts

Jul 21, 2008, 11:50 GMT

05/15/2008 - Nick Cannon - 5th Annual Operation Smile Gala - Arrivals - Skylight Studio - New York City, NY, USA © Janet Mayer / PR Photos

Mariah Carey's new husband Nick Cannon is getting into debt as he tries to fund her extravagant lifestyle.

The rapper - who married the singer in a secret ceremony in April - is reportedly worried about being perceived as a "kept man" and is splashing the cash to prove otherwise.

A source told National Enquirer magazine that Nick is "burying himself in debt" trying to keep up with Mariah.

The source added: "Nick's sensitive about being perceived as a kept man, so he's going out of his way to indulge Mariah with lavish gifts and expensive dinners.

"And the bottom line is that he just doesn't have the kind of money she has. It's starting to stress him out."

Nick is also said to be worried new career opportunities he is being offered are not genuine.

The insider claimed: "It hurts him when people use him to get to Mariah. Or worse, think of him as Mr. Carey."

It was recently reported the newlyweds' marriage was in trouble because of Mariah's demands.

A source said: "Nick is basically around to attend to her diva-ish ways. When they were in Hawaii where Mariah was filming the video for 'I'll Be Lovin' U', Nick dashed off to buy her gifts at Tiffany and Co. and Louis Vuitton to keep her happy.

"Nick had signed on to perform at a sweet 16 party before he and Mariah got married. But now Mariah needs to oversee and approve his career moves.

"There are no more silly small-time shows. She wants him to do big venues and projects. She definitely wears the pants in the relationship."