Rapping is storytelling, at least the good raps. So, the trend of rappers turning into actors isn’t particularly far-fetched because, for some, the story doesn’t end; the format simply changes. While rappers becoming actors might look like a loss to the music scene, fans still get to see their fav on the big screen doing.
However, not every rapper who transitions into films makes it to the big stage. We have selected a few who turned their lyrical storytelling into award-winning screen careers. From Ice Cube’s unforgettable roles to Queen Latifah’s award-winning performances, we spotlight six rappers turned actors who became one of the best respected forces in film and TV.
6 Rappers Who Became the Best Actors
- Ice Cube
Ice Cube was already a big name in music before he transitioned to acting, with his group’s (N.W.A.) groundbreaking album Straight Outta Compton, a seminal work in gangsta rap.
He surprised many people with how seamlessly he embodied the raw and layered character of Doughboy in his acting debut in Boyz n the Hood (1991). That movie became a cultural landmark, but Ice Cube didn’t stop there. He would go on to land roles in various films like the Friday franchise, Barbershop, Are We There Yet?, and action-comedy hits like 21 Jump Street.
Cube was propelled into more than an actor and became a creative force in the industry, writing and producing many of his projects. His ability to blend his streetwise knowledge with comedic, family-friendly storytelling was an act in itself.
- Queen Latifah
Queen Latifah who is a pioneer whose legacy spans mic, screen, and everything in between. She didn’t just cross over; she transcended and became one of the first female MCs to find lasting success in Hollywood. Her film journey started in 1996 with gritty roles in Set It Off, where she displayed her versatility.
Additionally, she commanded the stage in Chicago, a 2002 musical black comedy crime film that earned her an Oscar nomination and paved the way for crime dramas like The Equaliser. She did all these with grace and power, bringing authenticity to every performance.
- Will Smith
Will Smith didn’t just pivot; he conquered and may just be the gold standard of rapper-turned-actor success. He burst onto the screens with The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and quickly became a box office star with blockbusters like Independence Day, Men in Black, and Bad Boys.
He also demonstrated his range in movies like the Oscar-nominated Ali, The Pursuit of Happyness, and King Richard, which earned him an Academy Award nomination. You may be forgiven if you no longer see or remember Smith as a rapper, as his unmatched charisma, versatility, and ability to dominate both action and drama set him apart from some of the industry’s biggest stars.
- Donald Glover
Donald Glover a.k.a. Childish Gambino is proof that artistic boundaries can and are made to be broken. Although his early fame stemmed from the comedic TV series Community, he built a following as a rapper under his stage name. He would join these two together and serve as writer, director, and star in the Emmy-winning series Atlanta.
Glover seems always to land the ‘cool’ roles, starring in Solo: A Star Wars Story and voicing Simba in The Lion King remake. The man is a creator, performer, and innovator—a proper modern entertainer.
- Ludacris
Widely known for his flow and swagger, Ludacris would find a second home in Hollywood, starring in the Fast & Furious franchise. What started as a supporting role, playing as Tej Parker, would quickly turn into a principal role in one of the highest-grossing movie franchises of all time.
On the screen, Ludacris is famously known for his impeccable comedic timing. While he didn’t always play dramatic roles, his charm and consistency made him a reliable actor, and he would play a part in the Oscar-winning 2004 movie, Crash.
- Method Man
Method Man “methodically” stole the acting scene with his subtlety. A member of the legendary American hip-hop collective, Wu-Tang Clan, Meth has slowly built a respected acting résumé.
Meth was never chasing fame, but he brought depth to every role, spanning stoner comedies like How High to gritty TV dramas like the acclaimed Power Book II: Ghost. His role in Power as a criminal defense attorney also introduced him to a new generation of viewers, as he received critical praise for his performance.
There’s no limit to the story you can tell, and these artists have shown that by combining hip-hop and Hollywood. These rappers committed to the craft and expanded what hip-hop talent could represent on TV screens. In a world where Black creativity still struggles for space, these rappers turned actors have proven that performance transcends genre.
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IMAGE CREDITS: Theo Wargo / Staff | Getty Images
