Mos Def is in final negotiations to star in Stringbean and Marcus, an independent film that focuses on the relationship between two former Black Panther members who fall out of love.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Sophie Okonedo, who was nominated for an Oscar for her role in Hotel Rwanda, is also in final talks to star in the drama.

The movie is set in 1978 and is told through the eyes of a young girl.

"It's not so much about the idea of race," director Tanya Hamilton told The Hollywood Reporter. "I just wanted to show this world of ordinary people living under extraordinary circumstances."

Although neither star is under contractual obligation as of press time, producer Sean Costello said both actors were committed to the project.

"Mos is one of my favorite actors; he's fantastic," said Costello. "Sophie has to play this character who's both closed off and being open to helping people yet not being an angry woman. That's what she did in Hotel Rwanda as this maternal, yet emotionally conflicted woman."

Stringbean and Marcus is scheduled to start shooting this July in Philadelphia.
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Busta Rhymes made his first TV appearance since the shooting death of his friend and bodyguard Israel "Izzy" Ramirez a month ago.

Rhymes appeared on BET's "106 & Park" to debut his "Touch It" remix video. It was just outside the set of the cameo-filled clip that Ramirez was killed.

A very serious Busta told host Big Tigger that the concept of the video was to promote unity in hip-hop and that the production had nothing to do with endorsing violence.

"Everything is good except for what's going on," Rhymes said. "I want to start this show off by sending a big shout-out to the children of Israel Ramirez. I want to give a big shout-out to his wife. I want people to really understand that the focus primarily on shooting this video was to present the balance. For a while it has just been a whole lot of extra unnecessary beef. I'm about feel-good energy in music."

Weeks after the fatal shooting, a tape surfaced that allegedly captured an altercation on the set between the G-Unit's Tony Yayo and Swizz Beatz and members of the Ruff Ryders camp. The shooting is not audible on the tape, but the chaotic aftermath is, as well as pleas for someone to call 911.

Rhymes said it was important that his video air to honor his friend.

"It was a beautiful day. I felt it would be an injustice in the demise of my good friend if we didn't show the world that what we was doing in no way shape or form was advocating violence," he said.

The video, which features such guests as Lloyd Banks, DMX, Missy Elliott and Mary J. Blige, includes a dedication to Ramirez at the beginning of the clip.

Police are still investigating the shooting and have not named any suspects.

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