Wyclef Jean’s Memoir to be Published by It Books

Following recent book releases by other hip-hop notables including 50 Cent, The Rza and KRS-One, Wyclef Jean will be dropping his memoir, to be co-authored by best-selling author and Rolling Stone writer Anthony Bozza, who also helped pen Whatever You Say with Eminem and Tommyland, with Tommy Lee. Hopefully there will be attention to this project when it drops, as Wyclef has a rather inspirational back story and his involvement in philanthropy is admirable.

Details as provided by the publisher:

It Books, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers, today announced plans to publish the memoir of Grammy Award-winning multi-platinum musician Wyclef Jean. Jean will be writing the memoir with bestselling author and Rolling Stone writer Anthony Bozza, who co-authored such books as Whatever You Say I Am with Eminem and Tommyland with Tommy Lee.

The book was acquired by Mauro DiPreta, Vice President and Associate Publisher for It Books, from Richard Abate at 3 Arts Entertainment.

The memoir will chronicle Wyclef’s childhood in the tiny rural village of La Serre in Haiti and his subsequent immigration to Brooklyn, NY, where at the age of 9 he began his journey into pop culture. He will recount his struggle between the double life he led as a preacher’s son playing music in church with becoming a young rapper trying to fit in with his peers. The book will also document his monumental success as founding member of The Fugees and then his impressive solo career where he established himself as one of the most sought-after musicians, performers, songwriters, and producers of his generation. Wyclef’s work as a global philanthropist, especially in his native country through his work with Yele Haiti which he founded in 2005, will be featured in the book. His philanthropic work has brought him worldwide attention for his tireless efforts to change the way the world sees Haiti.

“I am so happy to share my journey which took me from the hut to the projects to the mansion,” said Wyclef Jean. “I am just getting started and feel so excited about It Books publishing the early stories from my life.”

“Wyclef has an incredible story, filled with drama, humor and inspiration,” said DiPreta. “It is above all a very human story, not necessarily one of celebrity, and I’m happy to say that he is as gifted a storyteller as he is a musician.” Carrie Kania, Senior Vice President and Publisher of It Books, said, “As we continue to grow the new It Books list, Wyclef Jean is a perfect example of the kind of talent we love working with–a passionate, innovative artist whose book will transcend all expectations.”