Chappelle Gets His 'Freak' On

[Champ]

LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - Comedian David Chappelle (news) in early talks to play Rick James in a film based on the funk musician's upcoming memoirs, "Memoirs of a Super Freak."



James, 56, best known for his 1981 hit "Super Freak (Part I)," has been working on a book for some time. Producer Lorenzo Di Bonaventura is in negotiations to acquire the rights for a Paramount film.


In addition to his own pop and R&B hits, such as "You and I" and "Mary Jane," James wrote and produced songs for the likes of Teena Marie (news), the Temptations and Eddie Murphy (news). The one-time Navy deserter fell prey to drugs, and spent time behind bars in the 1990s for assault and holding a woman against her will. He suffered a stroke in 1998.


Chappelle, who has impersonated James on his Comedy Central series, "Chappelle's Show," starred in such features as "The Nutty Professor" and "Con Air."

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