*C-Murder is being productive with his time as he awaits the June 9 start of his murder trial in Louisiana. The rapper has reportedly announced the signing of pop superstar Akon to a book deal with his company, TRU Publishing.

       Akon's book, "Thug Politics," is due in stores in April or May. It's the second title from TRU Publishing following the February release of rapper Jacki-O's "Grown and Gangsta."       

       C-Murder, whose real name is Corey Miller, is also scheduled to join Jacki-O and Akon for a literary campaign to promote their books and stress to kids and teens the importance of reading, according to Allhiphop.com.      

       The rapper's debut novel, "Death Around the Corner," sold an estimated 70,000 copies independently in 2006. He's currently on house arrest pending a trial for second-degree murder of a 16 year old, who was shot in the chest during a Jan. 12, 2002, brawl at a now-closed club in Harvey, Louisiana.