When Russell "Stringer" Bell died on HBO's The Wire, it was as if somebody we all knew was tragically murdered. He was the suave, even-tempered businessman that just happened to run a highly successful drug operation, along with Avon Barksdale (played by Wood Harris). He was also arguably the show's most engaging character up until the climax of the third season.

Fortunately for the public, Idris Elba, who played Stringer, is alive and well. Since the demise of his character, his career has flourished. He's got several project that drop this year ranging from nefarious street characters (American Gangster), epidemic survivor (28 Weeks Later) and, even a doting father in Daddy's Little Girls.

Ever the Renaissance Man, Elba has also emerged as a DJ, MC and drops an EP this year. Big Man by East London is 'Dris. The Englishman is serious about his craft and his myspace page conveys his musical message with purist's frame of mind. The talented Mr. Elba speaks about his role, his music, and his career.

Also, Idris stars in HBO's Sometimes in April.

Synopsis: In April 1994, one of the most heinous genocides in world history began in the African nation of Rwanda. Over the course of 100 days, close to one million people were killed in a terrifying purge by Hutu nationalists against their Tutsi countrymen. This harrowing HBO Films drama focuses on the almost indescribable human atrocities that took place a decade ago through the story of two Hutu brothers - one in the military, one a radio personality - whose relationship and private lives were forever changed in the midst of the genocide. Written and directed by Raoul Peck (HBO Films' "Lumumba"), the movie is the first large-scale film about the 100 days of the 1994 Rwandan genocide to be shot in Rwanda, in the locations where the real-life events transpired.

Labels: Idris Elba