Raekwon Acts In 'Coaltion'

Wu-Tang Clan rapper Raekwon will showcase his acting skills in Coalition, a movie that centers on how the New York construction industry is shaken down by minority non-union labor. Raekwon plays the role of Akey in the flick, which is described as a modern day On The Waterfront. Coalition is based on police trying to infiltrate a corrupt organization known as Survival of the Black Man, a group that attempts to control the local construction industry. The movie will be directed by Joseph Ariola, a 20-year member of the New York City Operating Engineer local 15 Union. Ariola conceived the plot through his dealings in the construction field. The movie also stars Chuck Zito ( OZ ), Michael Wright ( The Interpreter ) and Frank Vincent ( Do The Right Thing, The Sopranos ). Raekwon announced his involvement in the movie in May 2003 and production began shortly afterwards. The rapper also co-produced the soundtrack, which features Fat Joe and fellow Wu members RZA and Method Man, among others. The Coalition DVD hit stores today (Nov. 7) via Image Entertainment.