NEWS: Common to Star in Terminator Film :: Lil Wayne Pleads Not Guilty

Hip Hop star Common is looking to further his reputation as a thespian, signing on for a number of new projects, mostly recently the next film in the Terminator series, titled Terminator Salvation: The Future Begins.

The fourth film in the series, which centers around a 30-something John Connor leading the human race in a battle against machines, places the Chicago native alongside actors Christian Bale and Sam Worthington.

The McG-directed action flick, set for a May 2009 release, has Common playing the role of a freedom fighter who is a member of Connor's inner circle.

This is a considerable accomplishment for a relative newcomer in the acting field, who debuted in 2007's Smokin' Aces. Common also starred in the Denzel Washington-led blockbuster American Gangster and can currently be seen in Street Kings, with Keanu Reeves and Forest Whitaker.

Fans won't need to wait long to see Common in action as his next film Wanted hits screens soon. The star-studded cast also includes Angelina Jolie, Morgan Freeman and James McAvoy.

In related news, Common's eighth studio album Invincible Summer, is slated for release on June 24 2008.

On Tuesday (May 6) The current king of guest appearances, Lil' Wayne, appeared in an Arizona courtroom to answer several drug charges stemming from a January 2007 incident.

The rapper, born Dwayne Carter, pled not guilty to multiple drug charges and a charge of misconduct for firearm posession.

In late January last year, the tour bus of Lil' Wayne was pulled over for a routine check by Border Patrol outside of Yuma, Arizona. Upon discovering a 40-caliber (registered to Wayne) and several narcotics (41 grams of ecstacy, 105 grams of marijuana, 29 grams of cocaine), the rapper (and two members of his entourage) was arrested by state police.

Wayne's legal team filed a motion in March 2007 to lessen the drug charges, stating that he had less than 8 grams of cocaine in his posession. A $10,000 bond was paid a day after his arrest, the mogul/rapper is currently free pending the outcome of his case.

Lil' Wayne is set to appear in an Arizona court room again on May 19.