Hip-hop star Andre 3000 'to play Jimi Hendrix'

Andre 3000 gained fame as one half of flamboyant hip-hop duo OutKast

Andre 3000 of hip-hop duo OutKast is to play guitar legend Jimi Hendrix in a new film, according to a report.

The movie, titled All Is By My Side, will start filming in Ireland in three weeks time, according to the <link> <caption>Irish Film & Television Network</caption> <url href="http://www.iftn.ie/news/?act1=record&only=1&aid=73&rid=4284896&tpl=archnews&force=1" platform="highweb"/> </link> website.

A spokeswoman for the film said she could not confirm any details.

The rapper, real name Andre Benjamin, has been long-rumoured to star as Hendrix after other projects were blocked by the late guitarist's estate.

The Irish Film & Television Network reported that All Is By My Side would be directed by John Ridley, who wrote the script for Three Kings and U-Turn.

The website said the story would focus on Hendrix's breakthrough in London in 1966 and '67.

Benjamin, 36, has previously starred in a string of films and TV shows including Be Cool and Four Brothers.