Rappers turned actors – Part 2

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So we kicked off this venerable blog talking about the top five worst rappers turned actors, so for this post, we are going to look at the other side of the coin. Who are some of the greatest artists that can spit sick lyrics in a pinch but also touch our hearts and minds with their acting?

Ultimately, I think it boils down to talent. Some people are undoubtedly talented and it is no surprise that their talent in the music scene is transferable to the moveis. So here are my top five talented rappers turned actors:

5) Eminem. No one can doubt this guy’s talent on the mic. He is one of the greatest rappers of all time, selling around 90 million albums worldwide. His portrayal of a down and out struggling artist on 8 mile was not only inspired but damn good acting. In fact the only reason why he comes in at number five is that the story was pretty much about his life. It would be interesting to see him in a different role, which I am sure will bring him closer to the top of our list.

4) MethodMan.  MethodMan?? Yes, MethodMan. He is on this list purely for his comedy value. This dude is hilarious. Granted, he has only been in mostly cameo and smaller roles but by God this guy cracks me up. If you haven’t seen Garden State (a movie by Zach Braff – JD in Scrubs to you), go see it. Great movie and MethodMan’s cameo in it is fucking funny. Not to mention his appearances on CSI Las Vegas and The Wire.

3) Queen Latifah. This might seem like a bit of an odd choice as well but I promise you, no other female rapper has had as much success transitioning from rapper to actress. In fact she is so mainstream now that I doubt anyone born in the 90s would recognise her as a rapper. Just think about the big hit movies that she has been over the past couple of years: Chicago, Ice Age 3, Hairspray and The secret life of bees. In fact, she is one of only three hip-hop artists to ever receive an Academy Award nomination in an acting category (the other two are Will Smith and Jamie Foxx).

2) Will Smith. Well duh!

1) Mos Def. Words cannot describe just how talented I think Mos Def is. As an MC, he is the ultimate lyricist, spitting rhymes like he was born to do it. As an artist, he has a quirky, likeable quality that must make casting directors wet themselves with excitement. He is one of those artists that you cannot picture him in a movie until you see him play the role and then when you do, you think to yourself – “I can’t imagine anyone else playing this part.” You can see him in movies like Be Kind Rewind, Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, The Italian Job and TV show – Dexter. He is a very versatile actor and I look forward to his next movie.