British actor Idris Elba (42) is rather well known for his roles on stage and the big screen. He's even been lauded for his role on the British drama series Luther, but fans of the Hackney-born entertainer can now enjoy his musical prowess as well. Recently a remix song by UK rapper Skepta was released featuring Mr Elba spitting hard bars on the first verse and, as a rap fan; I must say I was quite impressed.
This, however, is not his first venture into the music industry, as Idris first became exposed to music as a DJ back in the late 80s, after helping his uncle out with his wedding DJ business. Not long after that, he started his own company and performed under the moniker, DJ Big Driis, at the age of 19 working in nightclubs. He was even credited on Jay-Z’s 2007 album American Gangster as a producer on the opening track “Intro".
On the aforementioned track, Mr Elba can be heard making reference to some of his greatest roles throughout his acting career - including his portrayal of Baltimore drug lord Russell ‘Stringer’ Bell on the HBO classic series, The Wire, how he “shut down” his role as Nelson Mandela, and how he ‘murdered’ the role of Luther in the BBC crime drama of the same title.
With an air of braggadocio and swagger that only he can pull off, he raps:
“See that Wire? Shut it down, ain’t nobody else selling brown
Ain’t nobody else Stringer Bell, boy from the East End did well, man
You see Mandela, man shut it down,
Ain’t nobody else touchin’ that.”
Is it possible to expect a full album release from the multi-talented entertainer? Well, after this offering, I honestly wouldn’t be mad at it.
Hear Idris Elba's rapping skills right here.