Romeo sees his father, Master P, in Tyler Perry

NEW YORK (AP) - Rapper-turned-actor Romeo felt right at home working with Tyler Perry because he says the director reminds him of his father, rapper Master P.

Romeo says his hip-hop artist dad and the successful writer/director have a similar work ethic and outlook on life.

"When I was working with him, I was like "did I already know you?"' said the 22-year-old in a recent interview.

Perry directs and stars alongside Romeo in his latest comedy, "Tyler Perry's Madea's Witness Protection," in theaters Friday.

The Atlanta-based producer was surprised to find a kindred spirit in Master P, a fellow New Orleans native whose hits include 1997's "Make "Em Say Uhh!"

"He grew up in the projects, not too far from where I lived and we're about the same age," said Perry. "And just having a conversation with him and him being a rapper, you'd think he's someone else. But he's just a great father who's raised great kids."

Romeo has certainly followed in Master P's footsteps, entering the music scene when he was 5 years old and taking over his father's record label, No Limit Forever, in 2010.

"I was able to watch that my whole life and learn from his mistakes," he said. "But at the same time it is a lot of pressure because people want you to live up to those expectations."

Though his recent projects have been comedies like "Jumping the Broom" and "Madea," Romeo is trying to make the leap to full-fledged action hero.

He says he's hoping to become "the next Will Smith" and nab roles in the upcoming "The Hunger Games" sequel and fourth "Transformers" installment.

"I've been going back and forth with Lionsgate (about) "The Hunger Games,"' he said. "I just want to do a little bit of everything, from romantic comedies to dramas and then to the big action movies."

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Online:

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