����ý

Producers of a film about the late rapper Tupac Shakur are holding online auditions for the lead role.

People who want the part have to download a scene and perform it on camera and record themselves rapping.

Tupac will be directed by Antoine Fuqua, who has directed major Hollywood films like Training Day, Brooklyn's Finest and King Arthur.

"We are looking for individuals who embody Tupac Shakur," the film's website said.

Tupac Shakur is one of the most popular rappers of all time and sold millions of records all around the world.

'Raw charm'

He was born in New York, but lived in California, and at the height of his popularity he was embroiled in feuds with east coast rappers such as Diddy and Notorious B.I.G.

As well as rapping, he also appeared in several films, including gang movie Juice and basketball story Above The Rim.

The new movie will tell the story of his rise to fame well as his controversial years at the top.

It will also focus on his highly publicised death.

He died in September 1996 in Las Vegas after being shot four times.

Producer David Robinson told the Hollywood Reporter: "We're looking for someone with the right mix of raw charm and charisma for the role.

"At this point, we're more concerned about finding someone with the ability to give their entire heart into the performance than just looks and personality."

Submissions are now being accepted until 30 April 2011, with filming expected to start in the summer.