Jill Scott Lends Voice for X-Men Animated Mini-Series

R&B songbird-turned-actress Jill Scott will lend her vocals in the upcoming Marvel Comics and BET animation project 'Black Panther.' Scott will voice X-Men's heroine Storm in the mini-series. Although Scott has several acting credits under her belt, 'Black Panther' will mark her first foray into the world of animation. Scott recently won praise for her role as Precious Ramotswe in HBO's highly-acclaimed series 'The No.1 Ladies' Detective Agency,' and also landed a part in Tyler Perry's 'Why Did I Get Married Too,' which hits theaters on April 2.

'Black Panther,' the first black superhero in mainstream American comics first made his appearance in the Fantastic Four in 1966 and is based on modern day Black Panther T'Challa. Scott will star alongside Kerry Washington and Golden Globe nominee Djimon Hounsou. "It's a blessing for African-Americans and minorities to have a superhero they can identify with," Hounsou said. "While the Black Panther is a powerful force for good, he is also a respected world leader who takes pride in his African heritage. He embodies the past and future of his culture, demonstrating the endless possibilities of an Africa that is truly free."

The project will air in mid 2010 while Scott's fifth studio album, 'Light of the Sun,' is slated for a late spring/early summer release.