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Rapper-turned-actor and Cleveland native Kid Cudi.

(Provided)

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Rapper Kid Cudi has joined the cast of the "Empire."

The Cleveland-native (real name Scott Mescudi), who has starred in everything from the "Entourage" movie to "Need for Speed," will play a hip-hop and romantic rival to the character Hakeem Lynch during the third season of Fox's hit series.

Cudi's character is named Gram, a guy dating Hakeem's ex-girlfriend Tiana (played by Serayah McNeill). The gig puts Cudi at the forefront of one TV's hottest shows, as he joins a list of other music stars that have appeared on Fox's hit series.

Season 3 of "Empire" is scheduled to premiere on Sept. 21.