Ja Rule Becomes A Gangster

Rapper Ja Rule has launched his bid to make it big in Hollywood - he's joined the cast of gangland drama BACK IN THE DAY.

The hip-hop star joins Ving Rhames in the movie - about gangs on the tough streets of Puerto Rico - which begins shooting for writer-director JAMES HUNTER next month (SEP03).

The movie revolves around Ja Rule's character, who gets caught up in gang life when he makes contact with an old friend -played by Mission Impossible actor Rhames.

Joe Morton also stars as a minister whose death sets the rest of the events into motion.

Ja Rule's latest movie commitment comes on top of roles in JENNIFER LOPEZ's new movie Shall We Dance? and spoof horror flick Scary Movie 3, alongside Charlie Sheen.