T.I. To Star Opposite Denzel Washington, Russell Crowe In 'American Gangster'

RapperT.I. continues to further his acting career, adding the film American Gangster to his resume.

The Atlanta-bred MC has signed on to star in American Gangster opposite veterans Denzel Washington andRussell Crowe in the movie, which is being directed by Ridley Scott (Black Hawk Down, Gladiator, Thelma & Louise, Hannibal).

American Gangster tells the story of a 1970's drug lord who smuggles heroin intoHarlem inside of Vietnam soldiers coffins. T.I. has signed on to play the nephew of Denzel Washington's character Frank Lucas, while Crowe will star in the film as Detective Richie Roberts.

The Wu-Tang Clan's RZA is also attached to the movie, which was written by Steven Zaillian.

American Gangster is slated to hit theaters in 2007.