After the big snow/ice storm of 2013 (*C'mon son face*), I sat on my couch watching television when I randomly started thinking about musicians who made the transition to becoming successful actors/actresses. This has always been a source of controversy to some actors in certain Hollywood circles. These individuals collectively believe that musicians should not be cast in movies unless and until they have "paid their dues" or at least attended formal acting lessons. I am not an actor so I do not have an opinion on the matter. However, I do know that some people have natural talent and do not necessarily need professional classes before being ready to appear on the big screen.
Will Smith
Regardless of how you feel about Will Smith as a hip hop artist, the fact remains that he was extremely successful. He released multiple platinum selling records. He was not one of my favorite hip hop artists, but I respect his hustle. He seamlessly transitioned his career as a hip hop artist into a very successful, and lucrative acting career. At this point, he is one of the most respected actors in Hollywood. He is one of the best actors of the modern era and he still has many years left to make his impression. Some of my favorite Will Smith movies include: Bad Boys, Bad Boys II, Enemy of The State, Independence Day, The Pursuit of Happyness, and Hitch. My favorite Will Smith movie is probably Ali.
Tupac Shakur
Tupac Shakur is a true hip hop legend. In fact, many consider him the greatest hip hop artist of all time. He released many, multi-platinum albums while alive and has sold many records posthumostly as well. He mastered the genre of hip hop and I believe he was well on his way to a very successful career as an actor. The roles that Tupac played would not garner Oscar nominations, but they were still good movies, in my opinion. Juice, Above The Rim and Poetic Justice are three of my favorite movies starring Tupac. In Juice, he played the role of "Bishop," who was an angry and possibly psychotic teenager living in Harlem, New York. If you have not seen this movie, you should check it out. Many people say his role as "Bishop" signaled the change in his personal life that ultimately led to his demise. I am not sure about that, but I am sure that Tupac was a really talented actor who died too young.
Queen Latifah
U-N-I-T-Y "who you calling a Bi*ch?" UNITY is one of my favorite Queen Latifah songs. The Queen has always been one of the most respected women in the male dominated hip hop genre. She made the transition from hip hop royalty to Hollywood royalty. And, she seemed to do it on her own terms. For many people, Set It Off, is the role that introduced her to mainstream America. Some believe her role as "Cleo" was not too far out of her personal character and therefore, it was easy to portray. Again, I do not know her personally, and if true, it does not take away from the impact of her role as "Cleo." She also played a starring role in the movie Just Wright, opposite fellow rapper-turned-musician, Common.
Common
Common is one of my favorite emcees. He has not experienced the kind of mainstream success that some of the others on this list have experienced as a hip hop artist. But, he is undeniably one of the more respected emcees in the hip hop game. His signature performance is probably his role in Just Wright, but he has also had roles in American Gangster, Smokin Aces and Brown Sugar. He released a studio album in 2012, so it seems that he plans to maintain his musical career along with his acting career.
Mark Wahlberg
Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch. I still cannot believe Mark Wahlberg used to be known as "Marky Mark." Marky Mark was NOT a respected figure in the hip hop community. But, he was technically a hip hop artist, and he is unquestionably a great actor. Some of my favorite Mark Wahlberg movies include The Perfect Storm, The Italian Job, Contraband, The Fighter and Four Brothers. He should fight any feeling he may have to return to hip hop. In fact, if he ever picks up a microphone and attempts to kick a verse, he should be forced to forfeit the money he has earned as an actor. Stick to acting, Mark.
Honorable Mention:
Mos Def, T.I., Andre 3000, Ice Cube, And Ice T.
Peace
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