After contributing a song to the soundtrack for Ice Cube's hit movie "Next Friday," 17-year-old rapper Lil' Zane has already started his own acting resume.

Zane, whose debut album, "Young World: The Future," is due out this summer, has secured a role in the upcoming film "Finding Forrester." Sean Connery stars in the movie, which examines the friendship between a teenage African-American boy and an elderly novelist. Young Zane has been cast in a supporting role as the teen's best friend.

Previous to scoring the part in "Forrester," Zane had already begun honing his acting skills with some local stage work in his hometown of Atlanta in a play called "Mad Heart" as well as an appearance on the WB network's sitcom "The Parkers."

The Atlanta native is relatively new to the professional ranks of the rap game, and he has enjoyed some early attention with his song "Money Stretch" from the "Next Friday" soundtrack. Despite his acting aspirations, Zane told MTV News that music remains his focus.

"I don't wanna rush [my acting career]," Zane said. "I'm true to this music thing. I don't want people to feel like, 'oh, he's just one of them other Hollywood stars [who's] just gonna get in this music [thing].'"

"No man, I'm true to this music thing. I study MTV, I study all the programs that show videos and show interviews and show artists. If it happens [quickly], then it's gonna happen, but I wasn't dwelling on just being a actor or trying to be in no movies." [RealAudio]

Whether behind a microphone or in front of a camera, Lil' Zane is putting his all into whatever he does and hopes that people will feel both of his artistic expressions.

Zane said. "So that's the difference, and I'm still working on getting that right [with my acting]. 'Cause I don't wanna be one of them rappers that jump up in that movie and y'all be like, 'he should stick to rapping.' I don't wanna be one of them guys. That's why I ain't trying to do it too fast." [RealAudio]

"Finding Forrester" has already started shooting in New York City. The film is being directed by Gus Van Zant, who lensed the 1997 blockbuster "Good Will Hunting."

On the music front, Lil' Zane was in Miami this weekend to shoot a video for "Calling Me," the first single from his forthcoming album. The song and video feature Bad Boy R&B group 112, who first put Zane on last year on the remix for their hit single "Anywhere." Other folks that turned up for the "Calling Me" clip included designer Karl Kani, Too Short, Mekhi Phifer, and Trick Daddy.

Next month is a big one for Lil' Zane; his debut LP, "Young World: The Future," arrives on June 6 and he will also be graduating from high school.

This summer will a big one for Lil' Zane; not only will his debut LP, "Young World: The Future," arrive in early July, but he will also be a high-school graduate.