Idris Elba (The Wire, Luther) launching record label, DJing in Brooklyn this week

Most people know Idris Elba for his acting roles, such as his iconic turn as Stringer Bell in The Wire, star of BBC series Luther, and recent Marvel movies, but he is also a musician having released records since the mid-’00s (including a 2015 “character album” based on Luther) and a DJ (he’s opened for Madonna). Billboard reports that Elba is starting his own record label, 7Wallace Music, and has announced his first signing, French artist James BKS. who has worked with Diddy and Talib Kweli among others. “James is a rare find,” Elba told Billboard. “His hip-hop sensibilities transfer to the other music he makes, he’s a nice person to work with and is gonna be a strong artist in the future. It’s a huge move for 7Wallace, a small indie label.” James BKS’ first single for the label, “Kwlele,” will be out next week.

Meanwhile, you can catch Idris in DJ mode in Brooklyn as he’s spinning at Output on Friday, July 6 with Kenny Dope and Alix Alvarez. Tickets are on sale and also get you into the Panther Room where Just Blaze, Khalil, and Tha Yellow R Kel will be doing sets. Idris will also DJ at the Essence Festival in New Orleans this weekend.