Mos Def Returns to Theater in ‘A Free Man of Color’ Play

Mos Def has starred in films like 'Cadillac Records' and 'Next Day Air,' but the rapper-turned-thespian is ready to make his triumphant return to the theater. The entertainer, whose real name is Dante Terrell Smith, has been tapped to star in Lincoln Center's production of John Guare's 'A Free Man of Color,' which reunites the emcee with actor Jeffrey Wright, who co-starred with Mos in the 2002 Broadway production of 'Topdog/Underdog.'

The play, which begins previews on Oct. 21 before opening on Nov. 18, stars Wright as Jacques Cornet, a wealthy man residing in New Orleans in 1802. Jacques believes that everything is peaceful in his town until his world begins to crumble. There's no word on what role Mos will play, but other announced actors in the production include Paul Dano, Peter Bartlett, Nicole Beharie, Arnie Burton and more.

Mos, who won an Outer Critics Circle Award for his role in 'Topdog/Underdog,' was recently linked to HBO's 'Enlightened,' but the rumor was subsequently squashed after he was replaced by Timm Sharp.

Despite success as a thespian, he hasn't entirely turned his back on his music career. He recently linked up with longtime collaborator Kanye West to lay a verse on his remix to 'Power,' which is rumored to also include guest appearances from Nicki Minaj, Swizz Beatz and Clipse's Pusha T.