REPORT: EL DEBARGE CHECKS HIMSELF INTO REHAB FOR CRACK . . . BUT DUDE IS BROKE . . . SO 50 CENT PAYS FOR EVERYTHING!!!

a few days ago, R&B legend El Debarge checked himself into a rehab center to deal with his CRACK-COCAINE addiction.

Here's what DeBarge said on his FACEBOOK page:

"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 my story with everyone. I thank everyone in advance for their prayers and well wishes and hope that you will respect my privacy during this time."

But the story gets even MORE interesting. Alil birdie told MediaTakeOut.com that El DeBarge SMOKED UP all the money he made from his last album - and DIDN'T have the MONEY for rehab.

So what happened? Well MediaTakeOut.com learned that rapper 50 CENT, who worked with El DeBarge on a few tracks, is footing the entire bill.