Buzz
When news broke that renowned rapper Common was set to appear in the fourth Terminator film, Terminator Salvation: The Future Begins, it sparked my curiosity about other rappers who have successfully ventured into acting. Many have proven their versatility, excelling in both fields. Here’s my curated list of the Top 10 Rappers Who Made a Mark in Acting.
10. Eminem Also Known as Slim Shady
Marshall Mathers, better known as Eminem, is a multi-award-winning rapper, producer, and actor. With over seventy million albums sold globally, he ranks among the best-selling artists in hip-hop history. His acting debut in the 2002 film 8 Mile, which mirrored his personal journey, earned widespread acclaim. Despite his absence from acting since then, his performance left a lasting impression. I’m eager to see if he can replicate that success in future roles.
Hit Songs: Forget About Dre, The Real Slim Shady
9. T.I.
Clifford Joseph Harris, Jr., a talented rapper, songwriter, producer, actor, philanthropist, and co-CEO of Grand Hustle Records, has made a notable impact in both music and film. His standout performance in the 2006 movie ATL, followed by a compelling role in American Gangster, showcases his acting prowess. If he can steer clear of legal troubles, we might witness more of his on-screen talent.
Hit Song: Be Easy
8. Ludacris
Chris Bridges, a Grammy-winning rapper, holds the title of the best-selling Southern hip-hop artist in history, with over 11 million records sold in the U.S. Despite limited acting experience, Ludacris impressed audiences with his supporting roles in Crash and Hustle & Flow, as well as a guest appearance in a 2007 episode of Law & Order. While his role in Fred Claus was less acclaimed, he earns a pass for his upcoming projects, Max Payne and RocknRolla.
Hit Songs: Yeah!, Stand Up.
7. Ice-T
Tracy Marrow, a Grammy-winning rapper, actor, and author, is recognized as a pioneer of gangsta rap in the late 1980s. He stirred significant controversy in 1993 with his track Cop Killer. Following acclaimed roles in New Jack City, Surviving The Game, and Trespass, he transitioned to direct-to-DVD and low-budget films. In 2000, he found steady success as a police officer on the popular TV series Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. He is also set to appear in the upcoming film Thira.
Hit Songs: Colors, Cop Killer
6. Common formerly known as Common Sense
Lonnie Rashid Lynn, Jr., a Grammy Award-winning hip-hop artist, model, and actor, has taken on major roles in films like Smokin’ Aces, Street Kings, American Gangster, and Wanted. While I wasn’t deeply familiar with his music, Common captivated me with his portrayal of a bodyguard in Smokin’ Aces. His unique voice and compelling delivery make him impossible to ignore. He was also chosen to play the Green Lantern/John Stewart in the live-action adaptation of The Justice League.
Hit Song: Love of My Life
5. LL Cool J
James Todd Smith III, known as LL Cool J, which stands for “Ladies Love Cool James,” is a Grammy-winning rapper and actor. He is among the few hip-hop artists of his generation to maintain a thriving music career for over two decades. His acting credits include leading roles in Any Given Sunday, Deep Blue Sea, Rollerball, and The Last Holiday, as well as his long-running TV series In the House. With his extensive experience, LL Cool J effortlessly shines in both music and acting.
Hit Songs: Radio, Mama Said Knock You Out.
4. Mos Def
Dante Terrell Smith, a Golden Globe, Emmy, and Grammy nominee, is an artist I admire in nearly every role he takes. In 2002, he delivered a standout performance as Booth in the Tony-nominated and Pulitzer-winning Broadway play Topdog/Underdog. His filmography includes memorable roles in Monster’s Ball, 16 Blocks, The Italian Job, The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, and Be Kind Rewind. He earned widespread praise for his portrayal of Vivien Thomas in the HBO film Something The Lord Made. His upcoming project, Cadillac Records, features him as the legendary Chuck Berry.
Hit Song: Universal Magnetic.
3. Will Smith Also Known as The Fresh Prince
Willard Christopher Smith Jr., one half of the iconic hip-hop duo Jazzy Jeff and The Fresh Prince, became the first rapper to win a Grammy Award. He seamlessly transitioned to television in 1990, starring in the semi-autobiographical hit sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Smith also holds the distinction of being the first rapper to earn an Academy Award nomination and the only one to receive two.
Smith has consistently delivered blockbuster films such as Men in Black, Bad Boys, Independence Day, Ali, I, Robot, The Pursuit of Happyness, and Hancock. His only misstep was declining the role of Neo in The Matrix to star in the less successful Wild Wild West. Today, he is regarded as one of Hollywood’s most influential figures, collaborating with his wife, Jada Pinkett-Smith, on various TV and film productions.
Hit Songs: Parents Just Don’t Understand, Git Jigga Wit It.
2. Ice Cube
O’Shea Jackson, a rapper, actor, screenwriter, and producer, is celebrated as one of the greatest hip-hop artists in history. He first gained fame as a founding member of the legendary rap group N.W.A. Like Ice-T and LL Cool J, Ice Cube has maintained a long-standing career and earned immense respect from fans. He has starred in iconic films such as Boys in the Hood and Friday, as well as notable roles in Anaconda, The Players Club (which he directed), Three Kings, and Are We There Yet? Through his production company, Cube Vision, he continues to create films, including upcoming projects like The A-Team and the lead role in Welcome Back, Kotter, which he is also producing.
Hit Songs: No Vaseline, Today was a Good Day
1. Queen Latifah
Dana Elaine Owens, known as Queen Latifah, is a multi-talented rapper, singer, and actress. Her contributions to music, film, and television have garnered her a Golden Globe, two Screen Actors Guild Awards, two Image Awards, a Grammy Award, six additional Grammy nominations, an Emmy nomination, and an Academy Award nomination for her role in the acclaimed film Chicago.
She has delivered standout performances in films like Set It Off, Jungle Fever, Barbershop, The Bone Collector, and The Last Holiday. Additionally, she starred in the popular TV series Living Single. Beyond acting, she is a Cover Girl model and a spokesperson for Jenny Craig. Her most recent film appearance was in The Secret Life of Bees.
Hit Song: Ladies First.
