Rapper Petey Pablo to Join the Cast of ‘Empire’??

Has rapper Petey Pablo (Remember him??) ditched the music industry for a Hollywood career?

In a recent Instagram post, Petey Pablo (aka Moses Mortimer Barrett III) posted a 15-second video of actor Terrence Howard on “The View.” On the clip (see below), Howard talks about expansion of his character Luscious Lyon on the hit TV series “Empire.” He says that he’s bringing in good friend Petey Pablo to help give the ruthless character some authenticity.

So, will Petey Pablo become an character on the show or will he just coach Howard from the production side? Whichever the case, this is definitely a good look for the North Carolina native. Pablo’s been away from the industry for some years. In March 2014, he was released from prison early after serving 2 years for trying to carry a stolen 9mm aboard an US Airways flight.

The Grammy-nominated rapper reached hip-hop success in the early to mid 2000’s. His biggest hit single “Freek-a-Leek, which featured Lil Jon, reached number 7 on the Billboard Hot 100. Petey Pablo scored more mainstream success with Ciara’s “Goodies,” which also landed on the Billboard Hot 100 list.

He has released two albums in his career (2001’s Diary of a Sinner: 1st Entry and 2004’s Still Writing in My Diary: 2nd Entry).

Follow him on social media @bigpoppapetey!

Well ladies and gentlemen I guess the cat is out of the bag yes I have just joined on to the Empire cast and production I’m totally humbled overwhelmed and awesomely grateful for this Tremendous opportunity. It has truly been a long time coming but a change had to come!! I First give Honor to God because without him none of this would have been possible Secondly an unconditional And major Shout out to the magnificent Mr. Terrence Howard my Mere words could never truly express how grateful I am!! SEE YA SOON “EMPIRE STRIKES BACK”

A video posted by Petey Pablo (@bigpoppapetey) on Feb 16, 2015 at 8:45am PST