Funnyman Jamie Kennedy's quirky reality TV bid to become a rapper has paid off - the star has landed a record deal. Kennedy, who played a laughable white rapper in 2003 film Malibu's Most Wanted, is being taken seriously by bosses at Reprise Records. They plan to release his first rap album next month.

The comic actor has been showing off his rapping skills on MTV's "Blowin' Up" and Kennedy's first video is number one on the MySpace.com chart. Fans initially thought Kennedy's new TV venture was part of a big joke, but it seems the Philadelphia-bred actor-comedian is keen to become the next Eminem.

The new album, Blowin' Up, is a collaboration between Kennedy and best pal Stu Stone.

(This news article provided by World Entertainment News Network)