In order to prepare for his role as Blues legend Robert Johnson, Sean "P.Diddy" Combs will do something he has never done--pick cotton.
"I'm going to work on a farm, learn about sharecropping and picking cotton," Diddy told the New York Daily News. "I swear to God. I'm doing cotton picking."
Production for the movie starts in September. Johnson was labeled King of Delta Blues, in spite of recording only 29 songs prior to dying at the age of 27.
The film will be shot on location in Mississippi and directed by Tim Blake Nelson, whose last work was the Holocaust drama, The Gray Zone.;
Combs has received critical acclaim following his roles in the Monster's Ball with Halle Berry and the independent film Made. He is said to be taking acting classes in hopes of perfecting his craft and landing more roles.
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James Brown Pardoned by South Carolina
Soul legend James Brown was pardoned yesterday by South Carolina officials for his past crimes in the state.
Brown - who served a two-and-a-half-year prison term after a 1988 arrest on drug and assault charges, and was convicted of a drug-related offence in 1998 - was granted a pardon by the Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services.
The 70-year-old "I Got You (I Feel Good)" star said in a statement, "God bless America on this beautiful day. I hope my pardon shows the youth that America is a beautiful country."
Brown unsuccessfully tried to get a pardon for his crimes in 2001, but yesterday's decision means he is fully forgiven from all the legal consequences of his crime and his conviction.
State Representative Ken Kennedy, who spoke on Brown's behalf, says the pardon will allow the singer to share his experiences and help others.
He adds, "I've been a fan of James Brown all my life. I've listened to his music all my life. I think this is something that he deserves.
"He has been one of our great entertainers in this country. He's done so much for the country and for me as a young person growing up here."
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Michael Jordan Tried to Steal My Date -- interesting article
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