Idris Elba is plenty of things, but unfortunately a natural born rapper is not one of them. The Thor: The Dark World actor has been critically acclaimed for his recent roles, including winning the Golden Globe for his performance as tough man police detective Luther in the BBC drama series as well as a Golden Globe nomination for his performance as Nelson Madela in 2013’s Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom.

idris elba tupacIdris Elba may be set to play rapper Tupac in the upcoming biopic movie

The versatile actor has also achieved international success starring in blockbuster movies including Thor, Pacific Rim and Prometheus as well as, believe it or not, having a rather successful sideline career DJing. Under the moniker DJ Big Driis, or alternatively Big Driis the Londoner, Elba, has DJed all over the world in some of the biggest nightclubs. What we’re trying to say here is that no one doubts that the guy’s got many talents.

So we can totally understand why he’s a forerunner to play deceased rapper Tupac Shakur in John Singleton’s upcoming biopic. Tupac was just 25 years old when he was shot dead after attending the Bruce Seldon vs. Mike Tyson boxing match in Las Vegas. in 1996 Tupac began rapping in the early 90s and despite his short career is still considered one of the most talented and influential rappers.

Idris clearly decided that he should get some early practice in for the role, and took the mike at a London burlesque club to showcase his rapping skills. While he clearly gave it his best shot, one onlooker remarked, “Everyone was excited when Idris came on the stage, as he’s such a big presence, but it was really embarrassing when he started rapping. Then after he had finished, he said ‘that was so fun - we’re going to do the song again.’ And then he launched into a repeat. It was weird and a bit cringy.” Not exactly a rave review there. Maybe Idris only knows the lyrics to one song and was just trying to give the audience their moneys worth? Bet the onlooker never thought of that glass half full scenario.

idris elba tupacRapper Tupac was just 25 years old when he died

Fortunately the upcoming Tupac movie is still only in its very early days of production so Idris has some time to learn a few more songs and potentially brush up on his rapping skills. In the meantime, are there any other actors that you’d rather see play Shakur? There may be someone a little more age appropriate as 41 year old Elba is already 16 years older than Tupac when he died. And from the sound of things his rapping skills may not be quite up to scratch.

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Watch the video for Tupac 'Ghetto Gospel':