One suspects that Jackson wouldn't be too happy piling it on for a role, but he insists he would not only do it if the part required, but would enjoy it too.

"I'd have to go away so people didn't see me for a (while). I think I could pull it off... though it would kill me trying to come back from that," he says.

Jackson rose to fame with his record-shattering debut "Get Rich or Die Tryin'" -- one of the fastest selling albums in history that has shifted more than 30 million units. 

His movie career has included roles in Antoine Fuqua's boxing drama "Southpaw" alongside Jake Gyllenhaal and in "Spy," with Melissa McCarthy.  

Meanwhile his business empire has taken in footwear and apparel, fragrances, video games, publishing, vodka, health drinks, Casper mattresses and health supplements.

Estimated in 2015 to be worth $155 million, he filed for bankruptcy, telling a court his flashy lifestyle was a facade, with his expensive jewelry and cars rented.

Next up for the entertainer, as he rebuilds his fortune, is a sequel to his 2013 movie "Escape Plan," which will see him reunited with Sylvester Stallone.

Then in the summer comes the release of his long-awaited sixth studio album "Street King Immortal," originally planned to hit stores in 2011.

Like many busy stars who have interests in multiple businesses and entertainment projects, Jackson is often asked what he does to decompress and usually mentions the gym.

"How do I relax? I'm going to tell you the truth," he confides, going off script for once.

"I'm single and I've got a lot of good female friends."

"Den of Thieves" hits US theaters on Friday.