Hip-Hop might not be the first thing you think about when you hear the name Idris Elba. But the distinguished actor has deep ties to the culture, whether it’s his time spent DJing and dropping the occasional rhyme, to making beats and signing none other than the legend, Slick Rick, to his record label. Idris even schooled Nas and Minya on the early hip-hop scene in the UK. Idris also discussed what The Wire means to him, his portrayal of Nelson Mandela, and the need for more heroic African stories on the big screen.

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