Top 20 Rappers and Hip Hop Artists Turned Actors

by

For decades, rappers have successfully transitioned into acting, appearing in everything from blockbuster action movies and critically acclaimed dramas to comedies and high-quality TV shows. Often, they begin with hit songs and then leverage their skills – honed through years of writing and performing – to bring timing, charisma, and storytelling ability to the screen.

This list highlights artists who started their careers in rap or hip hop and successfully transitioned to consistent work in film and television. It includes actors who now lead major franchises, producers who have created entire television worlds, and performers who’ve brought their talents to acting, writing, directing, composing music, and voiceover work.

Will Smith

Will Smith began his career as a musician with DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince, creating popular songs that helped introduce rap music to many people. He then became known as an actor through the TV show ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,’ which opened doors for him in the film industry.

Will Smith first became famous starring in huge action movies like ‘Bad Boys’, ‘Men in Black’, and ‘Independence Day’. Later, he earned critical acclaim and awards recognition with roles in films like ‘Ali’ and ‘King Richard’. Throughout his career, he’s not only been a leading actor in both dramas and blockbuster franchises, but he’s also worked behind the scenes as a producer, helping to develop projects from the very beginning.

Queen Latifah

Queen Latifah started her career as a groundbreaking rapper, bringing important social issues to a wide audience through her music. She then transitioned to television with the show ‘Living Single,’ establishing herself as a familiar face on screen.

Queen Latifah is known for her roles in films like ‘Set It Off’ and ‘Chicago’—the latter of which earned her an acting award nomination. She currently stars in the TV series ‘The Equalizer’ and continues to balance acting in both movies and television with producing.

Ice Cube

Ice Cube first gained fame as a member of N.W.A and then as a solo artist. He later transitioned into acting with the film ‘Boyz n the Hood.’ He also became a writer and producer, most notably co-creating the popular comedy ‘Friday,’ which led to multiple sequels and has become a cultural classic.

He created successful movie series like ‘Barbershop,’ heartwarming family comedies such as ‘Are We There Yet,’ and action-packed comedies like ‘21 Jump Street.’ Beyond being in front of the camera, he’s also worked as a writer and producer, shaping stories with a West Coast perspective and a comedic touch.

Ice-T

Ice-T was a pioneer of gangsta rap, known for his realistic songs about life on the streets. He then moved into acting, starting with films like ‘New Jack City’ where his tough style and commanding presence were a perfect fit.

He became well-known for his long-running role as Fin Tutuola on ‘Law & Order: SVU’, establishing a successful television career. Beyond acting, he’s lent his unique voice to documentaries, reality shows, animated projects, and video games.

LL Cool J

LL Cool J quickly became a major star for Def Jam Records, helping to popularize rap music with albums that appealed to a wide audience. He later transitioned into acting, appearing in films like ‘Any Given Sunday’ and ‘Deep Blue Sea,’ showcasing his versatility.

He was a regular face on ‘NCIS: Los Angeles’ as Sam Hanna, appearing in hundreds of episodes. In addition to his acting work, he’s also hosted live TV events and continued to pursue interests in music and business.

Tupac Shakur

As a teen, Tupac Shakur honed his acting skills while simultaneously launching his rap career, quickly gaining recognition for his powerful and realistic lyrics. He then transitioned to film, appearing in movies like ‘Juice’, ‘Poetic Justice’, and ‘Above the Rim’.

He kept up with both music and acting, choosing roles that highlighted his strong personality and captivating presence. Films like ‘Gridlock’d’ demonstrated his developing skill for portraying complex characters, suggesting he could have a successful future in film.

Ludacris

Ludacris first became famous as a rapper, releasing popular, upbeat songs and albums that were all over the radio. He then transitioned into acting, starting with smaller roles before landing a prominent part as the tech-savvy character Tej in the ‘Fast and Furious’ movies.

While most people know him from the ‘Fast & Furious’ films, I’ve always appreciated his work in projects like ‘Crash,’ which really showed his range. He hasn’t limited himself to acting, either. He’s smartly leveraged his on-screen success to build a career behind the camera, producing music and other media – a smart move that proves he’s more than just a face on the screen.

50 Cent

50 Cent first achieved fame with hugely successful music albums, then transitioned to acting with the film ‘Get Rich or Die Tryin”. More recently, he found success on television with the show ‘Power’, where he starred as Kanan and also worked behind the scenes as an executive producer, helping to grow the show’s universe.

I’m a big fan! You might recognize him from intense movies like ‘Den of Thieves’ and the powerful boxing drama ‘Southpaw’. But he’s not just an actor – he’s really built up a whole portfolio of TV shows across different networks, using everything he’s learned about music, creating compelling stories, and even running a business. It’s impressive to see how he’s expanded his talents!

Common

Common became well-known for his thoughtful and poetic music, as well as working with other popular artists. He also successfully transitioned to acting, delivering compelling performances in dramas like ‘Selma’ and action movies such as ‘John Wick: Chapter 2’.

He’s starred in the romantic comedy ‘Just Wright,’ done voice work for family films such as ‘Smallfoot,’ and even contributed to movie soundtracks. He’s a versatile performer, working in film, TV, theater, and publishing, and frequently combines his talents for music and acting within the same project.

Method Man

Method Man first gained fame as a member of the Wu-Tang Clan and through his own music. He later transitioned to acting, starting with the popular comedy film ‘How High’ and continuing with a notable role on the critically acclaimed TV show ‘The Wire’.

He’s currently known for his role as Davis MacLean in the hit series ‘Power Book II: Ghost’, which has given him consistent on-screen presence. He’s also appeared in films like ‘Keanu’ and has demonstrated his versatility as an actor in various guest roles, proving adept at both comedy and drama.

RZA

RZA founded the Wu-Tang Clan and simultaneously established himself as a composer and filmmaker. He even wrote, directed, and starred in ‘The Man with the Iron Fists,’ a film that uniquely combined martial arts action with hip hop style.

He’s acted in films like ‘American Gangster’ and ‘G.I. Joe: Retaliation’. He also creates music for film and TV, frequently working to connect the music with the story’s progress.

Snoop Dogg

Snoop Dogg’s first album quickly established his distinctive, relaxed rapping style, making him a prominent voice on the West Coast hip-hop scene. He also began appearing in films, initially with small roles before landing more substantial parts in movies like ‘Training Day’.

He’s worked on a variety of projects, including funny shows like ‘Starsky & Hutch’, scary ones like ‘Bones’, and even provided voices for the animated series ‘The Addams Family’. He’s also hosted TV specials and reality shows, successfully building his career across different types of media.

Mos Def (Yasiin Bey)

Mos Def first became well-known as a skilled rapper, releasing both solo albums and working with the group Black Star. He then successfully transitioned into acting, appearing in movies like ‘The Italian Job’, ‘Be Kind Rewind’, and ‘The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy’.

He gained recognition for his stage performance in ‘Topdog/Underdog’ and has also worked in film. Currently, he continues to act in independent films while pursuing music as Yasiin Bey, recording and performing live.

Mark Wahlberg

Mark Wahlberg began his career as a musician with the hip hop group Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch before becoming an actor. He started with smaller parts, then gained recognition in the film ‘Boogie Nights,’ which helped launch his career as a leading man.

He went on to star in films such as ‘The Departed’ and ‘The Fighter’, and appeared in several ‘Transformers’ movies. Beyond acting, he’s also a producer, working on a variety of TV and film projects spanning different genres like drama, comedy, and action.

Eve

Eve first became famous through her music, with successful songs and collaborations topping the charts. She then transitioned to acting, making her film debut in the popular comedy ‘Barbershop,’ which helped introduce her to a wider audience.

She also appeared on television in the comedies ‘Eve’ and ‘Queens’. On the big screen, she’s been in the film ‘Whip It’ and has taken on supporting roles that often connect to her experience as a musician.

T.I.

T.I. successfully transitioned from a popular Atlanta rapper to an actor, first appearing in the film ‘ATL’. He later took on roles in crime dramas like ‘American Gangster’ and ‘Takers’, often as part of an ensemble cast.

He began his work with Marvel in the ‘Ant-Man’ films. Beyond acting in movies and TV, he’s also a producer, and many of his projects are set in the American South.

DMX

DMX was known for his powerful and emotional voice in his rap music, which he showcased on many successful albums. He also brought that same energy and intensity to his roles in action movies like ‘Romeo Must Die’ and ‘Exit Wounds’.

He went on to star in action-packed thrillers like ‘Cradle 2 the Grave,’ films that suited his tough image. He’s also appeared on television and been the subject of documentaries exploring his life and career.

Nas

Nas is famous for albums that tell compelling stories, and he’s inspired countless rappers. He also appeared in the popular movie ‘Belly,’ a visually striking crime film where he acted alongside other musicians.

He provided narration and oversaw the music for the series ‘The Get Down,’ bringing his talent to a story about the origins of hip hop. He’s also appeared in films, documentaries, and worked as a producer on projects related to music history.

Bow Wow

Bow Wow first became famous as a young rapper, but he quickly moved into acting with the family film ‘Like Mike’. He continued building his acting career with ‘Roll Bounce’, a movie about skating.

He’s appeared on TV shows like ‘CSI: Cyber’ and has made guest appearances on other popular series. He balances his time between acting in films and TV, making music, and hosting events.

André 3000

André 3000 first gained fame with the innovative hip-hop group OutKast, then expanded into acting with roles in movies like ‘Four Brothers’. He also helped create and starred in the musical film ‘Idlewild’, showcasing his background as a performer.

He played Jimi Hendrix in the biographical film ‘Jimi: All Is by My Side’, showcasing his ability to take on dramatic roles. He’s also appeared on television, including the anthology series ‘American Crime’, and has often combined his acting with his musical talents in guest appearances.

Tell us in the comments which performer really impressed you on screen, and feel free to suggest anyone else who you think deserves recognition!

Read More

2025-10-23 16:47