Rapper/actor Mos Def has snagged the role of legendary rocker Chuck Berry in 'Cadillac Records,' the 1950s period piece based on the iconic Chicago-based Chess Records.

Mos will star alongside R&B diva Beyonce (who's portraying Etta James in the film), Academy award-winning actor Adrien Brody, actress Gabrielle Union and Cedric the Entertainer.

Mighty Mos recently starred in the quirky comedy, 'Be Kind Rewind,' with Jack Black. The rapper also plans on releasing his fourth studio album this summer. 'Cadillac Records,' which recently began production, is expected to hit theaters in 2009.

After checking out pPresidential candidate Barack Obama on the cover of Men's Vogue, rapper turned actor Mos Def had a feeling the senator from illinois could go all the way.

"On an intuitive level I could sense it," Mos said while speaking at New York's 92nd Street YMCA last week. "And when I saw him on the cover of Men's Vogue, even before he threw his hat in, I was like, 'This guy is going to run for president and he's going to win.' And he's going to win because he's an author, and he looks good."

The rapper's instincts would've been on point last week, but the Democratic race has intensified, as Sen. Hillary Clinton is back on course after surprising victories in the Ohio and Texas primaries last night.

After sour sales and lackluster reviews for his last major label release, 'True Magic,' Mos Def is preparing to release his independent label debut on Downtown Records.

There's no release date for the as-yet-untitled album, but label head Josh Deutsch is already touting the project and its production. According to Deutsch, Kanye West, who's mother passed away suddenly last weekend, is on tap to produce some tracks.

In addition to working on the album, Mighty Mos will appear a bevy of upcoming flicks, including 'Be Kind Rewind' (2008), 'Stringbean and Marcus' (2009), and 'Touissant' (2009).