9 Rappers Who Also Have Successful Acting Careers

Songwriters often use their personal lives to influence their lyrics, and rappers are no different. For example, a lot of Eminems music tells extremely vulnerable stories about his relationships with his daughter, his ex-wife, and his mother. Jay-Z used his music to talk about his mothers sexuality and his infidelity scandal. Evidently, rappers have to

Songwriters often use their personal lives to influence their lyrics, and rappers are no different. For example, a lot of Eminem’s music tells extremely vulnerable stories about his relationships with his daughter, his ex-wife, and his mother. Jay-Z used his music to talk about his mother’s sexuality and his infidelity scandal. Evidently, rappers have to be able to access their emotions to write their stories down and share them with the world.

Related: 8 Rappers Who Are Really Romantic

Like many other celebrities, rappers also like to expand their brand beyond their songs. Some rappers, like Post Malone, Diddy, and Drake, have moved into the alcohol business. Other rappers have decided to take their talents to the screen, allowing them to further prove their storytelling abilities. Continue reading to find out which rappers have had tons of success as actors.

9 Queen Latifah

Since the 1980s, Queen Latifah has managed to become an iconic rapper and actor. She was the first rapper to perform at the Super Bowl in 1997, and her most popular songs include "U.N.I.T.Y." and "Ladies First." In the early '90s, she began her acting career. She has starred in shows like Living Single, Star, and The Equalizer. She has also taken her musical talents to the big screen in movies like Chicago, Hairspray, and Joyful Noise.

8 Common

Queen Latifah's Just Wright costar, Common, also moved into acting after beginning his career as a successful rapper. Despite recording over fourteen studio albums, he has somehow found the time to star in several films and shows, including American Gangster, The Hate U Give, Alice, and Never Have I Ever. He also starred in Selma and was featured on the soundtrack for his and John Legend's song "Glory."

Related: Here's Why Dana Elaine Owens Goes By Queen Latifah

7 Ludacris

Ludacris has been rapping since he was a young child, and he has gone on to release some of the catchiest rap tracks, including "My Chick Bad" and "What's Your Fantasy." Luda is also known for his roles in a number of movies over the years. He plays Tej Parker in one of the most popular movie franchises, Fast & Furious. The rapper has also starred in Hustle & Flow, The Ride, Crash, and New Year's Eve.

6 Ice Cube

While he may have initially achieved fame for his controversial raps as a member of N.W.A., Ice Cube has also become known for his entertaining comedic timing onscreen. He has starred in the Friday, Barbershop, Ride Along, and Are We There Yet? series. He has also starred in Boys N The Hood and The Players Club.

Related: Ludacris Flips To End Of 'Fast And Furious' Scripts To Make Sure He Doesn't Die

5 Tupac Shakur

The late rapper Tupac starred in several films, including Juice and Above the Rim. He also starred as Lucky in Poetic Justice alongside Janet Jackson. The movie's director, John Singleton, originally offered Ice Cube this role, but Ice Cube thought that the character was a "sucker" and declined. Tupac also guest starred on an episode of A Different World, which starred his one of his best friends, Jada Pinkett Smith.

4 Machine Gun Kelly

Over the years, Machine Gun Kelly's career has evolved in more ways than one. He began his career as a rapper and has since moved into a pop/rock genre. He has also moved more into acting. He has scored roles in Bird Box and The Dirt. He has also starred in Big Time Adolescence and The King of Staten Island with his "little brother" Pete Davidson. More recently, he wrote, directed, and starred in his film Good Mourning.

3 Ice-T

Ice-T got his start as a rapper in the '80s. However, his music's controversial history with law enforcement has not stopped him from having success playing a law enforcement officer on the popular series Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. Since 2000, he has played the beloved Sergeant Odafin 'Fin' Tutuola.

2 Method Man

Method Man originally rose to fame as a member of the Wu-Tang Clan. He has also had a lot of success as an actor over the years. He has starred in the movies Red Tails, How High, Soul Plane, and Keanu. He has also starred in shows, such as The Wire, Power Book II: Ghost, and Godfather of Harlem.

1 Will Smith

Though many may think that Will Smith's career started with The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, his longtime fans will know that he actually started as a rapper in 1980s. He and DJ Jazzy Jeff released songs, like "Parents Just Don't Understand," before Will starred in the popular show based on his real life. Will is now primarily known for his acting, starring in movies like King Richard and The Pursuit of Happyness.

ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7tbTErZ%2Bippeoe6S7zGipmqigmr%2B0edahpmaZnKi8brTAr5xmq6WYsKa%2F0p%2BspWWRmMGqusZmmpqqlZq%2FtHs%3D

 Share!