Remember when Common had aspirations of playing Marvin Gaye? We’re sure he still wants to bring the R&B legend to life on the big screen, but most of you figured he’d need to work on his secondary craft before he’d be worthy of such a role. And we mean other than a role in Just Wright. Well, according to XXL, he may get his chance to improve his acting chops. The Chicago MC has been cast on a new AMC drama. Don’t they also air Mad Men?

The man born Lonnie Rashied Lynn, Jr. will star in Hell on Wheels, the story of the building of the Transcontinental Railroad, as Elam, a half-white, half-black freed slave trying to make his way in the world. Common’s also the first actor to be cast in the Western drama. According to Joel Stillerman, the network’s VP of programming, the rapper was chosen for his perceived ability to “transcend the stereotypes of the period and bring the character to life in a truly unique way.”  That and he probably isnt asking $500,000 an episode.

Production of the show is slated to begin in August. As always, stay tuned for more details as they’re announced. And if you’re missing his work as Common the rapper, be sure to check out his part on The Roots/John Legend song “Wake Up Everybody”.