Amanda Bynes is set to receive a helping hand from hip-hop veteran Wyclef Jean as she prepares to launch herself as a rap star.

The embattled actress is close to finalising a deal with Chinga Chang Records boss Daniel Herman and he is already working on recruiting the Grammy-winning Gone Till November hitmaker to help the 27 year old realise her music dreams.

Herman claims Wyclef has been "receptive" to the idea and adds, "I think it (a collaboration) would be perfect. Linking the two of them will be something major."

And the label boss is convinced the Hairspray star will prove all of her critics wrong with her debut album.

He says, "This album is going to shock the world. She has such a great voice. Singers wish they could hit the notes that Amanda does."

Bynes' career is starting to look up after a string of legal troubles, which began last year (12) when she was involved in two hit-and-run dramas and an arrest for driving under the influence (Dui). She has since relocated to New York, but is currently facing charges for marijuana possession after cops arrested her at her Manhattan apartment in May (13).

She also faces allegations of reckless endangerment after reportedly throwing a bong out of the window as officers raided her home following reports she had been smoking pot in the building's lobby.