Hip-hop impresario Sean “P.Diddy” Combs has been tapped to star as blues musician Robert Johnson in a HBO Films feature, which will begin production in September. Johnson was labeled “King of Delta Blues,” in spite of recording only 29 songs prior to dying at the age of 27.
The film will be shot on location in Mississippi and directed by Tim Blake Nelson, whose last work was the Holocaust drama, “The Gray Zone.”
Combs has received critical acclaim following his roles in the Monster’s Ball with Halle Berry and the independent film Made. He is said to be taking acting classes in hopes of perfecting his craft and landing more roles.
On the music front, Diddy’s next role will be executive producer of Loon’s self-titled debut and releasing his dance-inspired album. Both albums lead singles will feature Kelis, as the siren coos lusty vocals on Loon’s “How You Want That,” and Puff’s “Let’s Get Ill.”