Mos Def is one of the few hip hop artists to make a smooth transition into acting. His work in The Woodsman and the recent 16 Blocks has put him on the map as the anti 50 Cent—the guy can actually act. And when you mix him up with Hotel Rwanda’s Oscar-nominated Sophie Okonedo, you have a good recipe on your hands, even if it does include string beans.

According to Hollywood Reporter, the duo are in final negotiations to co-star in the film Stringbean and Marcus, an indie period drama written and directed by semi-newcomer Tanya Hamilton. The film takes place in 1978 and is told through the eyes of an adolescent girl. It focuses on the broken love affair between two former Black Panther members.

Shooting will begin in Philadelphia this July.