Mos Def sings into movie role

Mos Def is to make his big-screen return in Can A Song Save Your Life?

The Golden Globe-nominated rapper-turned-actor, now known as Yasiin Bey, has joined the star-studded cast of the music-driven drama including Keira Knightley, Mark Ruffalo and Hailee Steinfeld, confirmed producers Guy East and Nigel Sinclair, co-chairmen of Exclusive Media.

Mark is already on board to portray Dan, a down-on-his-luck record producer, with Mos, 38, to play Saul, Dan's longtime business partner in the recording industry in John Carney's film.

Keira is to play an aspiring singer-songwriter, while James Corden, Maroon 5 frontman Adam Levine, Cee Lo Green and Catherine Keener are also set for supporting roles.

Can A Song Save Your Life? has begun filming in New York.

Mos, a hip-hop star, has since swapped the mike for the cameras, with roles in movies such as Cadillac Records, The Italian Job and Monster's Ball as well as TV shows like Dexter and House.