Dizzee Rascal is soon to be doctor Rascal

Dizzee rascal is to receive an honorary doctorate from the University of East London for his contribution to the arts.

The University officially announced hat Dizzee was receiving the honorary doctorate for his services to the community.The London rapper grew up in Bow, the area surrounding the university, and has been heavily involved in the local music scene since his youth.

Soaring to commercial fame in 2003 when he won the Mercury Music Prize for his debut album Boy in Da Corner, which he produced in his London bedroom, the rapper has remained at the top of the UK rap scene ever since.

Other celebrities that have been honored by the University include Kim Catrall and actor Orlando Bloom, who is set to appear in the next installment of the Tolkein blockbuster The Hobbit: Desolation of Smaug next month.