Idris Elba, a name recognized from Avengers: Age of Ultron, The Office, and Pacific Rim, just released an album inspired by his latest character from the crime show Luther. The British actor stars as John Luther, a murder detective balancing his genius mind and talents with his violent delights. Elba’s album, Murdah Loves John, features eight tracks exploring the troubled path of solving crime.
This isn’t the first time Elba has paired his acting with his music; in 2014 Elba released an album mi Mandela after his role in Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom. While mi Mandela is a gospel-based album focused on South African freedom and revolution, Murdah Loves John is a darker journey of synth beats and somber lyrics, creating a gloomy soundscape for John Luther’s murder mysteries.
Elba worked with a troupe of London artists on Murdah Loves John, featuring Wretch 32 and Tanika on the title track. Other collaborators include Shakka, Fabienne, Stephen Ridley and Grieghwolfe. He released the music video for Murder Loves John on Dec. 14 — a black and white production that turns cold when a man is shot while playing soccer with a young boy in a London tunnel.
Murdah Loves John is available for purchase on iTunes. As for the future, the R&B artist and actor will be playing Krall in Star Trek Beyond, coming out in 2016. Who knows? Maybe he’ll drop a galactic album for that role, too.