The Autobiography Of DMX Out In November

NEW YORK (DMX Official Website) - E.A.R.L.: The Autobiography Of DMX is due for release November 5. The book, co-authored by Smokey Fontaine, details the Yonkers native's early years growing up in a single-parent household through his eventual rise to stardom. Some of the highlights include DMX's audition for Island Def Jam president Lyor Cohen with his mouth wired shut, and an infamous battle against Jay-Z and his Original Flavor crew before either star had made it big.

DMX will also release a new album, It's Not A Game, in November, and a new fragrance, dubbed Xcaliber, in December. The rapper will also hit the big screen in March, as he co-stars with Jet Li in the Joel Silver-produced Cradle 2 The Grave.

In related news, DMX has started the Mary Ella Foundation--named for his paternal grandmother, Mary Ella Holloway--to help underprivileged kids in his New York hometown of Yonkers. In addition to his annual Thanksgiving dinner at the local Nepperhan Community Center, the rapper will be giving scholarships and financial assistance to working mothers.

Furthermore, DMX is in the process of converting an old church into a housing facility for single mothers who are trying to complete their education. The facility will house 24 families and is scheduled to open in March.

Some of the noted board members of the Mary Ella Foundation include Joel Silver, Londell McMillan, Darryl Miller, Clarence Waldron, and Yvette Bowser. DMX and his wife Tashera Simmons serve as honorary chairs of the organization.