Dizzee Rascal signs autobiography deal

Dizzee Rascal promises to "lift the lid" on his troubled background (Getty Images)

Chart-topper Dizzee Rascal has signed a deal for his autobiography which promises to "lift the lid" on his troubled background, it was announced today.

The Mercury Music Prize winner, who has topped the charts with songs such as Dance Wiv Me and Bonkers, has signed a deal for the book - which has the working title of The Dizzee Rascal Story.

The deal is a joint venture between Canongate Books and the newly-formed publishing arm of the rapper's independent record label Dirtee Stank Recordings.

Dizzee, 24, grew up on a council estate in Bow, east London and was excluded from four schools in as many years.

A spokeswoman for Canongate said the book would tell the tale of his upbringing and of the time he was stabbed in Cyprus after the release of his first album.

"The Dizzee Rascal Story will provide a much more intimate insight into the real story behind the charismatic young artist. From the family secrets that defined his troubled upbringing, to the truth about the near-fatal multiple stabbing that almost ended his career just as it was beginning, this riveting memoir will lift the lid on a life lived at a break-neck pace," she said.

Dizzee will co-write the book with music journalist Ben Thompson.

The book, which includes the artist's song lyrics, is due to be published as an illustrated hardback in October 2010.

It will also be released as an audio book and in digital form.