*"Mama Black Widow," the 1969 novel from “Iceberg Slim” writer Robert Beck, is being adapted into a movie with rapper Mos Def in the starring role and pop star Rihanna in her feature film debut.

      With the backdrop of a black family’s migration from Southern Mississippi to Chicago in the 1930s, the story follows Otis Tilson's struggle to keep his family together as they navigate through a world of alcoholism, pimping, homosexuality and racial degradation.

       Other members of the cast include Macy Gray, Brian J. White, Anthony Anderson and Kerry Washington.       

       The movie is currently in pre-production under director Darren Grant for a 2009 release.