The hip-hop world has never been a breeding ground for great actors, but there are some talented individuals who have made the transition from rhyming to reading lines. The latest to try his hand at thespianism is Andre (3000) Benjamin, whose new film Jimi: All Is by My Side will attempt to create a new star out of the Outkast rapper.
To qualify for this list, I had just a few parameters. First, you had to have been a rapper of merit (sorry, Marky Mark), and second, you had to star in more than one film (no dice, Eminem). Also, I used 50 Cent as the litmus test: if you are just as bad or even worse than him at acting, you are not even considered. Better than him, and you have a shot.
I’m sure everyone will fully agree with the following opinions. Someone drop that beat…
(Note: Some of the videos below have NSFW language)
7. Andre Benjamin
It still remains to be seen what kind of gravitas Andre 3000 can bring to the big screen in Jimi: All Is By My Side, certainly his biggest test to date. He has charisma, and at times he shows hints at what may be a promising film career, but he’s just not there yet. Andre has yet to learn the skill of commanding a theater audience, but he’s been serviceable in films like Four Brothers and the confusing yet beautifully shot Revolver.
6. Ice-T
Besides having the greatest lisp in all of media, Ice-T has been steadily entertaining the masses since his turn as an undercover detective in New Jack City. He’ll never win an Academy Award, nor will he even come close to being nominated for one, but he never fails to add a bit of bravado to his performances.
With great-bad films on his docket like Trespass, Surviving the Game, and the under-appreciated and rarely seen Mean Guns, Ice-T can at least guarantee that you’ll have some fun while watching him.
5. Mos Def
One of the most commendable things about Yasiin Bey, a.k.a. Mos Def, is his willingness to take risks. He’s not afraid of any genre, whether it’s comedy (The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy), drama (Monster’s Ball), or action (16 Blocks), Def likes to mix it up. His soft-spoken, yet strong, demeanor coupled with his fearlessness makes him one of the better rappers tuner actors.
4. Common
While he hasn’t shown the versatility that he might be capable of, there is no denying that Common has a certain magnetic quality, and it doesn’t hurt that he has movie star good looks. He also has the tough guy act down to a science, with roles in Smokin’ Aces and Wanted displaying just that.
If you’re looking to see him at his tough-guy best, then check out Hell on Wheels. It’s not the best show, but it’s entertaining enough for a Sunday binge watch on Netflix.
3. Ice Cube
Cube has tried his hand at several genres like drama (Three Kings) and action (Ghosts of Mars, XXX: State of the Union), but Cube’s home is comedy. Perhaps more so than anyone else on this list (save Will Smith), he has shown that he really understands the art of comedy in films like 22 Jump Street, and the Friday series. He’s come a long way from his 90s rap persona, who used to wield guns and mean-mugs with equal efficiency.
2. Tupac
Had Tupac not been murdered, who knows how far in the cinematic stratosphere he could have ascended. Pac had a natural gift for acting, and was believable in many of his roles. In Juice, he played the Machiavellian street thug with brutal efficacy. In films like Gridlock’d and Gang Related, he displayed versatility by embodying characters that we could root for. He only starred in six feature films, so there’s no telling just how talented he was.
1. Will Smith
Although his most recent efforts haven’t exactly been extraordinary, it’s hard to argue against placing him at the top of this list. Smith dominated the box office through the latter half of the 90s, his performance as Muhammad Ali was the role of a lifetime (and Oscar nominated), and he’s shown that he can adapt to any genre.
Unfortunately, his upcoming films include Hancock 2 and Bad Boys 3, so who knows if or when he’ll be able to reach the heights that he did almost a decade ago.
Honorable Mentions
Queen Latifah is a fine, Oscar-nominated actress, but I’ve just never been highly impressed with any of her performances.
L.L. Cool J is L.L. Cool J in everything he does.
Sean “P-Diddy” Combs was fantastic in Get Him to the Greek, but not much else.
Ludacris barely escapes “dishonorable” due to his performance in Hustle & Flow.
Dishonorable Mentions
Watching DMX’s fight scene with Steven Seagal in Exit Wounds is the best laugh you’ll have today.
RZA is a fantastic producer, not so great as an actor.
50 Cent. Do I need an explanation here?
Big Daddy Kane was an amazing rapper. In The Meteor Man (a childhood staple) he proved that the skills don’t translate.
Master P. See: Cent, 50.
Cam’ron. See below.
