Ja Rule: more Fast and the Furious

NEW YORK (Ja Rule Fans Website) - Rapper Ja Rule is in negotiations to reprise his role in Universal Pictures' "The Fast and the Furious 2" for director John Singleton and Original Films.
Production begins in Miami in the fall. The project stars Paul Walker and Tyrese as undercover agents who team up with a female undercover agent to bring down a formidable drug trafficker who has eluded authorities.

Ja Rule, who did not have a sequel deal in place, will again play street racer Edwin, though this time his role will be expanded to include much more screen time. Michael Brandt and Derek Haas wrote the script. Ja Rule, repped by Endeavor and Handprint Entertainment, will next star opposite Steven Seagal in Screen Gems' "Half Past Dead."

The performer, whose real name is Jeffrey Atkins, released his third album, "Pain Is Love" (Def Jam), in the fall. He also remixed and rapped on Jennifer Lopez's songs "I'm Real" and "Ain't It Funny."

Earlier this year, the rapper, known for his gruff voice, was nominated for three Grammys -- best rap/sung collaboration, rap album and rap duo or group.