Saul Williams to Star in Tupac Musical

The Tupac musical coming to Broadway has found its (non-holographic) leading man.

The main role in the non-biographical Holler If Ya Hear Me will be taken by musician/slam poet/actor Saul Williams , according to The Hollywood Reporter .

The musical, produced by the late rapper’s mother Afeni Shakur , does not feature Tupac as a character, but does include the West Coast legend’s music prominently.

A New York native, Williams rose to fame as the lead in the 1998 film Slam, which follows a poet and aspiring rapper attempting to leave behind his gruff surroundings.

He’s also released four studio albums; however, Holler If Ya Hear Me will be his first major Broadway role.

Tony Award-winner Tonya Pinkins will join Williams at the head of the cast for the production, which has been described as a fictional story that provides a glimpse into the streets of modern-day America and their tenants.

The musical is set to begin preview performances May 29 at the Palace Theatre, followed by a June 19 opening night.