AceShowbiz -

After previously only contributing tracks to a film, actor Terrence Howard is going full throttle with his music career. The "Crash" star has landed a recording deal with Columbia Records to release his debut album "A Little Bit More Like Me" this Fall.

According to the label's representative the full name of the project is Terrence Howard Presents Me and The Band of Kings. Reports said that Howard would be singing instead of rapping and have musical backing by the live band.

In an interview with UGO the actor said, "I wanted to produce and write. The only thing I didn't do was play all the instruments because I only play guitar, piano and some cello. But I brought in the most incredible musicians and left them in the room to do what they do, gave them complete autonomy, and they gave me gold. People always give you their best if you give them the room to give their best."

Howard received an Oscar nomination for Best Actor in 2005 movie "Hustle & Flow" where he played a pimp turning to rapper. He performed three tracks of the movie's soundtrack album.

On why he bridges himself to music, Howard commented, "The purpose of that is to always extend beyond your reach. I'm looking for the fall, I'm looking for the flop, the criticism, because I do well with that. My little brother told me when I was scared to go start my music, he said, 'A diamond is just a piece of coal that did well under pressure. Decide which one you're going to be."