Rapper Eminem is finishing work on his third major-label release, due in April.

Billboard reports the new LP, "The Eminem Show," will be followed in July by the release of Slim Shady's acting debut in the semi-autobiographical "8 Mile," directed by "L.A. Confidential's" Curtis Hanson.

Kim Basinger, Mekhi Phifer, and Brittany Murphy co-star in the film.

An excerpt of one song from "The Eminem Show," a track called "Cleaning Out My Closet," can be heard in the trailer for "8 Mile," the report said.

Em's producer and mentor, Dr. Dre, recently told Entertainment Weekly the new disc is "a lot more serious this time."

"There's not as much playful stuff on it. It's crazy. It's him being him," Dre told Entertainment Weekly.

Billboard said "8 Mile" will be accompanied by a soundtrack that will be separate from "The Eminem Show."