Beno's Top 5 Rappers to Actors

Beno's Top 5 Rappers to Actors

Movies that include real life hip hop artists are nothing new. Since Hip Hop was born, movies have always had cameos of rappers, deejays, b-boys, graffiti artists and others. However, we can not deny the impact that having a rap artist in a motion picture provides. Rap Artists that have gone on to star in big motion pictures are Will Smith, LL Cool J, Busta Rhymes, Xzibit, DMX, Ice Cube, Dre, Snoop, Sticky Fingaz, Ice-T, Bow Wow, Saafir and a host of others.

I am a fan of hip hop movies in particular, but when a rap artist appears in a "mainstream" movie, I am more apt to peep it out and see if it is good or not, based on the rappers performance. I am glad that their celebrity gives them an opportunity to do other art and for the most part, make the project more appealing to the urban fan.

Beno's Top 5 Rappers to Actors are:

1.Will Smith

Will is the biggest success thus far as a rapper turned actor. He has been acting so long, that people probably have forgotten his cinematic raps about girls, parents and beating Mike Tyson. Will has captivated the U.S. and World as being a super hero type of being, through the characters that he portrays in the movie. Not only that, but Will has always had a great sense of humor showcased through his music and television show, The Fresh Prince. Smith has shown what the potential is for a rap artist who has acting skills and can play the game. Favorite Will Smith Movie-Hancock

2. Tupac

I believe that Tupac was born to act. Even in his music, he was able to make you see and believe what he was rapping about, because of his acting skills. Tupac has many films to his credit, that you can watch over and over again. Some of these films are Juice, Poetic Justice, Gang Related, and Gridlocked. When you think of Pac, you have to think of his acting. He was like the first "two art" Rapper. Almost like Deion Sanders and Bo Jackson, were "two sport" athletes. Favorite Tupac Movie-Juice

3. Ice T

Ironically, most of the world was introduced to Ice-T through a movie called Breakin'. That is how crafty this artists is. He has always played it cool, but you can tell, that he is serious about his art. Starring in numerous movies such as New Jack City and television shows, Law and Order, he has secured his place as a true actor in my book. Ice-T also serves as an example of if someone wants something bad enough, they can get it. Favorite Ice T Movie-New Jack City

4. Ice Cube

Cube has taken the game to the next level, because he not only starred in one of the biggest movies of our time, Boyz N the Hood, but he has gone on to write his Friday series and start his own lucrative production company. He can play serious roles as well, as carry a movie comically. One great achievement that should not go unnoticed as well, is his ability to cast new talent. By him including Chris Tucker, Katt Williams and Mike Epps, he aided them in gaining a greater notoriety and ability to be successful in the movie business on their own terms. Favorite Ice Cube Movie-Friday After Next

5. DMX

DMX is probably the closest thing to a Hollywood actor on this list. Not because of his acting skills, which are not bad, but because he gets in Hollywood type trouble. He is an example of the two edge sword that movie fame brings. One one hand you are given greater notoriety, opportunity and money. On the other hand, you begin to feel that you are above the law, like you are constantly on a movie set. Given his off screen problems that rival white actors, he has amassed a body of work and is becoming the next Wesley Snipes, with a string of B-movies. I hope DMX has an opportunity to get back on his grizzly and show the many dimensions that would make him a good co-star in a major movie. Favorite DMX Movie-Belly

Honorable Mentions:

LL Cool J, Mos Def, Snoop Dogg, Sticky Fingaz, Bow Wow, and T.I.

Who are your Top 5 Rappers to Actors? Let me know.