We haven't heard much from proud North Carolinian Petey Pablo lately.

But Empire fans may have noticed Pablo playing Lucious's cell mate in the Season 2 premier of the hit show's second season.

Pablo -- who served two real life years on a gun charge between 2012 and 2014 -- owes the role to a loan he made to Empire star Terrence Howard a decade ago.

Howard had used some of Pablo's music in his break out hit Hustle & Flow. After the shoot, Pablo ran into Howard, who had just lost his wallet. So Pablo lent him 200 bucks. Fast forward ten years and Howard calls Pablo and asks for his address so he can return the money. They get to talking, and Pablo ends up writing four songs for Empire, and also snags the small role as Lucious's cell mate.

Now Pablo just hopes they don't kill of his character too quickly.