With
compelling stories and a diverse line up of actors, The Wire has become
the must-see show, according to critics and fans of the HBO series.The
popular drama, which has been praised for its realistic portrayal of inner city
life in Baltimore, has been called the best show on TV by numerous publications
including Time and Entertainment Weekly.The
Wire recently made EW’s list of the top 10 TV shows of 2006. The
series, according to critic Gillian Flynn, is "a wrenching, brilliant indictment
of pragmatism and complacency, but it’s never miserable to watch…the
actors are flawless; the writing is lined with empathy, insight, and quick, shocking
slaps. Never has a good gutting been more appreciated."As
viewers prepare for The Wire’s upcoming fifth season, two members of the
show’s cast are spreading their wings with pursuits into music.Wood
Harris (Avon) is putting the finishing touches on his first untitled rap album,
while Idris Elba, (Stringer Bell) is opting to make his mark as a DJ."Actually
[my album] is getting mixed right now. My mixer on there mixed [Dr. Dre’s]
The Chronic
album just to give you an idea of how dope it’s gonna be,"Harris revealed to AllHipHop.com. "It’s just fresh, eclectic, diverse, kind
of like Cody, but not at all and I do all of the music."As
for what fans can expect musically from the release, Harris stated the project
would be "a mixture of Hip-Hop" that will incorporate his classic rock
influence. "It’s
got real music in it, real things in the lyrics," Harris said. "Not
like diamonds. A little bit of money talk just because you come from no money
to making money and you start talking about it."As
Harris prepares to invade rap circles, Elba’s foray into DJ’ing is one
of many things the actor has on deck for 2007."Next
year is a heavy year for me, man," he said. "I got five films. I’m not
in television anymore. I’m in the film world. The DJ thing is taking off for me
nicely and I’m gonna put together a DJ album.""I
just gotta do my thing," Elba continued. "I got a foundation I’m trying
to start for Sierra Leone, which is where my parents are from. My next movie is
coming out Feb. 14, Valentines Day. It’s called Daddy’s Little Girls, Tyler
Perry’s movie."While
Harris’ future is secured with musical endeavors, fans are wondering whether
Avon will be seen again on the The Wire. "No
need to worry," the actor said. "You’ll
see Avon next year, season five."
