Jay-Z’s 'Decoded' gets international release dates

A book by Jay-Z (aka Shawn Carter) focusing on the American rap mogul's life and lyrics is set to be released internationally, according to a June 24 announcement by UK publishing resource The Bookseller. Titled Decoded, the book will be a first-person portrait complete with illustrations and is due out in November 2010.

News about Jay-Z's book deal was first announced in July 2009, when US publisher Spiegel and Grau announced it would publish the title. The book has since gotten a UK publisher - Virgin Books - and international release dates - November 16 in the US and November 18 in the UK.

The hardcover book will reportedly be focused on "decoding" the rapper's most famous lyrics and will also offer a look at his life, influences, and artistic process.

Jay-Z is rumored to be writing two other books - a traditional memoir and a business title.