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Kanye West dismisses reports he will star in Spike Lee's musical comedy 'Chiraq'

The film's name has already received criticism from the Mayor of Chicago

Jack Shepherd
Tuesday 12 May 2015 16:11 BST
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(Getty Images)

Dr. Kanye West: rapper, designer, father and would be actor. Unfortunately, theatre goers may have to wait a little longer to see the ever expanding ego of the Kardashian lover on screen as he denies reports he will be starring in Spike Lee’s new film, Chiraq.

"Contrary to published reports, Kanye West will not be starring in Chiraq. However, there are discussions for West's possible involvement in the film's soundtrack, schedule permitting," his representatives told Pitchfork.

The musical comedy, based on the Greek story Lysistrata, will centre on a woman who attempts to stop gang violence in Chicago, according to Screen Daily.

Samuel L Jackson and John Cusack are apparently being lined up to star in the film which will receive a theatrical release courtesy of Amazon Original Movies.

The project has already received criticism from Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel despite having not yet begun filming.

Spike Lee yesterday promoting his film Bad 25 in Venice

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During a press conference, the mayor expressed his displeasure with film’s title, a popular nickname created by rappers to highlight the extreme violence in the city.

Emanuel had apparently sat down with Lee the week previously, telling press "We had an honest, frank conversation. He said that while the movie is about the neighbourhood of Englewood, I was clear that I was not happy about the title.

“I told him also that there are very good people that live in Englewood who are raising their family and there's a lot of positive things that are happening in Englewood mainly driven by the people that make up Englewood."

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No release date has been set for the film as yet. Kanye meanwhile is working on his next album, titled Swish, which is rumoured to drop any day now.

Any... day.. now..

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