DMX to Tell Life Story

December 5 -- After releasing several multiplatinum CDs and landing starring roles in Hollywood, rapper DMX now turns to conquer the old-fashioned medium of the book world.

The star (born Earl Simmons) has sold his memoir, titled A Dogz Life, to publishing house Harper Collins, which plans on releasing the book in late 2001, according to Variety.

The book, said to be inspirational, will tell the story of the rapper's tumultuous childhood — which included more than five years in group homes — and numerous stints in jail — before he found success with hip-hop in the '90s.

After his first three solo albums debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard charts, DMX began venturing into Hollywood. First landing smaller roles in Romeo Must Die and Boricua's Bond, the MC and actor will next appear with Steven Seagal in Exit Wounds, in addition to a role in the fourth installment of The Crow series of movies.