Casting Question

I was channel-surfing the other night, and came across '16 Blocks', a movie that would not normally interest me, as I am not a big Bruce Willis fan. The character he is accompanying downtown is played by Mos Def, and when I heard him speak I was reminded of a character in the PJ's from years ago. I only saw a few of the episodes, which were shown very late on Channel 4 (UK), and I don't believe they ever completed any of the series, but I do remember finding it immensely funny (Ed at his best). The only character that would seem to fit the Bill is Smokey, voiced by Shawn Michael Howard. Does any body know whether Mos Def was ever involved, or is this purely a coincidence?..Any help gratefully received.

I've seen things you people wouldn't believe...