February 21 2008

Eminem Memoir In The Works

By Jayson Rodriguez (MTV.com)

Eminem will release a book later this year, MTV News has learned, but details surrounding the project were vague at press time.

According to a report in Britain's New Musical Express published Tuesday, British publisher Orion Books and Em will partner to release the Detroit hip-hop star's memoirs, titled Eminem: The Way I Am, which will include hand-drawn sketches, lyrics and journal notes, along with rare photos of the rapper. A rep for the publisher confirmed an October 16 U.K. release date for the book with the N.M.E.

But the rapper's reps denied having a solid release date for the book and blasted the publisher for delivering inaccurate information.

"While there is a book in the works from Eminem in which he details certain aspects of his personal and professional life, the book is still in the process of being written and edited," Eminem's camp told MTV News via e-mail. "There is no firm release date scheduled, although it is anticipated to arrive in the latter part of this year. The news about the project today came from the U.K. publisher, who is not involved in the day-to-day editing or creation of the book. It's unfortunate that someone who does not have intimate knowledge of the book felt compelled to jump the gun on announcing it by delivering partial and inaccurate information."

Eminem has been in the headlines numerous times in recent months; first the rapper was rushed to the hospital over the holidays in late 2007 for complications stemming from pneumonia. His label confirmed his hospital stay but said in a statement that he was released quickly and recovering at his home.

Tabloid reports also claimed that the formerly lanky rapper had ballooned to more than 200 pounds. Doctored photos of Eminem appeared online, and Slim-Fast offered him an endless supply of its dietary drink. Shady Records signee Trick Trick, however, downplayed the rumors.

"Em just picked up some weight, that's it," Trick told MTV News in January. "He's nowhere [near] 250 pounds or anything like that. He picked up a little weight. He ain't walkin' around obese or some sh--, though. He can still run two miles if you want him to, and still out-box the majority of them. My man still gets down."

News also surfaced about two movie roles involving the rapper - in "Jumper" and an aborted "Grand Theft Auto" flick - neither of which came to fruition.