New Jay-Z album inspired by film

NEW YORK, Sept. 20 (UPI) -- Jay-Z is working on a new album, inspired by the upcoming Hollywood film, "American Gangster."

Separate from the official motion picture soundtrack, this collection of original material is a "musical journey and lyrical interpretation of snapshots" from the movie, co-starring Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe, Roc-A-Fella Records said in a statement.

Directed by Ridley Scott, the film is based on the true story of 1970s-era, New York crime boss Frank Lucas.

The film is slated to open nationwide on Nov. 2, while Jay-Z's "American Gangster" CD is set to drop Nov. 6.

Drawing on past experiences for the album, Jay-Z attempts to address the harsh reality of the drug trade still taking place, while articulating the lure of a gangster's life without glorifying it or Lucas, the record label said.