In this photo exclusive to PEOPLE, Combs goes toe-to-toe with David Caruso on the set of the CBS hit CSI: Miami. He filmed the part of defense attorney Derek Powell on Wednesday for an episode that will air in February 2009.

As Combs, 39, explains it to PEOPLE, he met with CBS executives and told them, "I don't want to play no musician, I don't want to play a criminal – none of those stereotypical things. I want to play a lawyer."

He's thrilled to be on one of "the biggest shows in the world," Combs says. "The CSI: Miami team is like the Yankees. Me coming on the set, I'm like a Little League player with the Yankees. [David Caruso], he's like Obi-Wan Kenobi or something! He taught me so much and let me ask questions and protected me. He's like the coach of the team."