,

Great Rappers Who Can Also Act

Donald Glover's Horror series Swarm is getting rave reviews online but he is not the only rapper who has taken Hollywood by storm.

Photo: Getty Images Doug Peters/PA

From success behind the mic to success on the red carpet, hip-hop and acting have always gone hand in hand. I mean to be a hip hop star you need to believe in yourself and fake it until you make it. Acting is all about faking it until you make it. Some of the greatest movies of all time are centered around hip-hop storylines.

Queen Latifah

Photo: Universal Pictures

One of the most influential female rappers ever, Queen Latifah has done so well as an actress that some people may have forgotten that she’s a talented MC. She’s appeared in many beloved TV shows and movies including Set It Off, Just Wright, Girls Trip and Living Single.

50 Cent

Photo: Starz

50 Cent has been carrying Starz ever since he brought his widely popular Power TV to the forefront, which he also stars in. But everyone knows that at one point in time, he was the biggest rap artist in the world. It’s incredible how he’s transitioned from music to television so seamlessly.

Will Smith

Photo: Chiabella James / Warner Bros. Pictures

There’s no debate, Will Smith is the best-case scenario of a rapper turned actor. He’s not only the most popular celebrity on this list but also one of the most popular actors in the world. He’s a movie star that creates gold with every role he stars in. He’s also the only person on this list with an Oscar for their acting performance.

Donald Glover

Photo: FX

Donald Glover, aka, Childish Gambino, is one of the most talented humans on earth. Just watch an episode of Atlanta. He can sing, rap, write, and act. Not to mention, he’s also a great comedian. So anything having to do with entertaining people and making art for people to consume, Gambino is the man for the job.

Drake

Photo: Epitome Pictures

Before he was the biggest rap artist in the world, Drake played the role of Jimmy on the popular Canadian television show Degrassi: The Next Generation.

Kid ‘N Play

Photo: New Line Cinema

I’m counting Kid ‘N Play as one entity. The duo initially gained notoriety for their fun and energetic tracks, but they became immortalized after they starred in the 1990 film House Party.

Ludacris

Photo: Universal Pictures

Even though Ludacris was one of the hottest rappers in the game when he broke into the industry, he may be even more popular from his work as an actor. He’s been a central figure in the Fast & Furious franchise, appearing in all but three movies. Even before his work on Fast & Furious, Ludacris appeared in the 2004 film Crash, which won the Oscar for Best Picture at the 78th Academy Awards.

Common

Photo: Lionsgate Films

Common is as consistent as they come. As an MC, his lyrics were always sharp and thoughtful. As an actor, his performances have always been solid. He’s appeared in many films including American Gangster, Wanted, Selma, Just Wright and my personal favorite, John Wick: Chapter 2. He even won an Oscar along with John Legend for their song, “Glory.”

Ice T

Photo: NBC

Yeah Ice T has appeared in some movies, but everyone recognizes and loves him for his role as Fin on Law & Order: SVU for the past 23 years.

2Pac

Photo: Columbia Pictures

2Pac was special as an artist and actor. As an artist, his lyrics were genuine, emotional and thoughtful. As an actor, his performances were entertaining, funny and enjoyable. He appeared in a plethora of movies during the 1990s, most notably Above the Rim, Poetic Justice and Juice.

Yasiin Bey

Photo: Getty Images Bob Berg

Once known as Mos Def, I’ve always considered Yasiin Bey one of the most underrated MCs of all time. His 2002 album Black on Both Sides is incredible and his work as a member of Black Star is timeless. People forget he’s also not too shabby as an actor. He’s appeared in Bamboozled, Monster’s Ball, Brown Sugar and Next Day Air.

Ice Cube

Photo: Warner Bros. Pictures

I think the younger generation knows Ice Cube as a movie star rather than his rapping skills. Before he was appearing in films such as Friday, Are We There Yet?, Lottery Ticket and 21 Jump Street, Ice Cube was one of the most menacing rappers in the game.

Snoop Dogg

Photo: Starz

Not the most talented actor on this list, but he’s a helluva rapper. Snoop always brings fun energy to the screen whenever he appears in front of the camera. His role as Rodney in Baby Boy is probably his most well-known role but he’s also been solid as a Pastor in BMF.

Method Man

Photo: HBO

Method Man is such a good actor. He can be funny, evidenced by his role in How High. He can be serious, as evidenced by his role in Power Book II: Ghost, and he can do a mixture of both as seen in his role in The Wire, the best TV show ever.

RZA

Photo: Getty Images Johnny Nunez

Another Wu-Tang member is on the list. RZA isn’t as good an actor as Method Man, but he’s just as prolific. He’s appeared in a myriad of movies and TV shows including American Gangster, A Vert Harold Kumar 3D Christmas and Snowfall. He’s also done work behind the camera, helping write the popular Hulu series, Wu-Tang: An American Saga.

LL Cool J

Photo: CBS Studis

LL Cool J acts perfectly in the roles he fits in. He’s a big, bruising MC that normally goes for TV roles where a lot of action is involved. He’s still a mainstay on the popular show, NCIS: Los Angeles.

Andre 3000

Photo: Paramount Pictures

No need to give you a background on Andre 3000 as an MC, he’s one of the greatest ever. As an actor, he’s kept his roles to a minimum but has still appeared in some good films, most notably Four Brothers.

T.I.

Photo: Marvel Studios

T.I. broke into the rap game as one of the godfathers of Trap. His transition into acting was pretty seamless as he essentially just played himself in the classic 2006 film ATL.

Bow Wow

Photo: Frazer Harrison

Bow Wow has been involved in the entertainment industry as a rapper and teenager ever since he was a young teenager. He’s starred in plenty of films including Like Mike, Johnson Family Vacation, Roll Bounce, Lottery Ticket, Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift and many more.

DMX

Photo: Getty Images Everett Collection

It’s still sad that he’s passed on, but I still enjoy many of DMX’s performances as an actor. He was the star of the show in the classic 1998 film Belly which featured fellow MCs Nas and Method Man.

Kid Cudi

Photo: Getty Images Dimitrios Kambouris

Kid Cudi’s acting credits aren’t as expansive as many others on this list, but he’s been solid in the roles he’s appeared in. He was good in the 2022 horror film X, and the voice work he did as Jabari in Entergalactic was excellent.

Fredro Starr

Photo: Getty Images Jemal Countess/WireImage

Another underrated hip-hop figure. Fredro Starr is one of the most aggressive MCs of all time, which only makes sense since he’s a member of Onyx. He was good in the 1996 film Sunset Park and he fit the role perfectly as a hitman for Avon Barksdale’s crew in The Wire.

Straight From The Root

Sign up for our free daily newsletter.

Latest from The Root

The Root's 2025 Ultimate Black Father's Day Gift Guide

The Root’s 2025 Ultimate Black Father’s Day Gift Guide

Show your dad just how much you care with these great gifts ...
Black Celebs We Lost In 2025

Black Celebs We Lost In 2025

We are recognizing the Black celebs who left us in 2025 ...

Black Internet Reacts To Nelly And Ashanti's New Reality Show Trailer

Black Internet Reacts To Nelly And Ashanti’s New Reality Show Trailer

If reality TV wasn't already starting to get juicy with the comeback of Love Island USA, it's definitely going to get interesting with a new show everyone is talking about. Spin the block couple, Nelly and Ashanti, are coming out with a reality TV show, "Nelly & Ashanti: We Belong ...
New Development in R. Kelly's Latest Attempt to Get Out of Prison Sentence Includes Neo-Nazis, a Murder Plot and More!

New Development in R. Kelly’s Latest Attempt to Get Out of Prison Sentence Includes Neo-Nazis, a Murder Plot and More!

Kelly, the disgraced R&B singer, has been trying to get out from under his 31 year prison sentence. But this latest attempt might be the wildest ...
Will Ryan Gosling Play Black Panther? Answered

Will Ryan Gosling Play Black Panther? Answered

After a new Marvel comic introduces a white Black Panther, fans discuss whether Ryan Gosling should take on the role ...
Marc Lamont Hill Breaks Silence on Viral Video of Him Getting Pepper Sprayed During a Talk

Marc Lamont Hill Breaks Silence on Viral Video of Him Getting Pepper Sprayed During a Talk

The author and activist talked to Joe Budden about what really went down when he was attacked in 2024 and how he's dealt with his alleged attacker since ...
This NYC Father Suspected of Killing His 2-Year-Old Son, Tossing His Remains in a River

This NYC Father Suspected of Killing His 2-Year-Old Son, Tossing His Remains in a River

Montrell Williams was last seen in May and now, police suspect his father is involved in his disappearance.  ...
Photo by Tommaso Boddi/Getty Images for Project Angel Food, X

Dems Are Furious at Why This Senator Was Detained at a MAGA News Conference

Los Angeles is already making news after President Donald Trump deployed troops following protests... but this surely takes the cake ...
The Surprising Tea on the Black Colorado Child Born With Blonde Hair and Blue Eyes

The Surprising Tea on the Black Colorado Child Born With Blonde Hair and Blue Eyes

Yes, these babies with “European” features are, in fact, Black.  ...
Here's the <i>Real</i> Reason Some Folks are Side-Eyeing Cynthia Erivo's Tony Awards Performance

Here’s the Real Reason Some Folks are Side-Eyeing Cynthia Erivo’s Tony Awards Performance

Her rendition of a Jennifer Holliday classic apparently left much to be desired for a handful of viewers ...
This Move is Getting Ciara Dragged on the Internet For the First Time <i>Ever</i>

This Move is Getting Ciara Dragged on the Internet For the First Time Ever

Some say the "Goodies" singer overstepped boundaries, but was she wrong...? ...
Photo by Maddie Meyer, Michael Loccisano/Getty Images

Wait… Jay-Z Lost How Much Money Betting on the NBA Finals?!?

Sure, Hov is a billionaire, but OKC's Game 3 loss still has to hurt... a lot ...
Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

Everything to Know About Trump’s Massive Birthday Military Parade in DC— And Why it’s Stirring Up Chaos

In more than 1,600 cities, demonstrators are expected to organize for "No Kings Day" to rain on Trump's military parade ...
New York County Ballot Lawsuit Sparks Election Integrity Firestorm on Social Media

New York County Ballot Lawsuit Sparks Election Integrity Firestorm on Social Media

This bombshell lawsuit might lead to nation-wide investigations and ballot recounts... and who knows what will turn up ...
Darryl Perkins via Instagram

Dallas Couple Says This Shocking Act by a Doctor Led to Their 1-Day-Old’s Death

The Perkins are suing the boots off a Dallas hospital following their son’s death.  ...
Obama Could Never...5 Reasons This Is The Most Ghetto Presidential Administration Ever

Obama Could Never…5 Reasons This Is The Most Ghetto Presidential Administration Ever

That which would've taken down Obama if he did once...we see Trump do on a nearly daily basis ...
Photo taken from GoFundMe

Food Truck Keith Lee Helped Go Viral Just Got Shut Down After Cops Expose Owner’s Wicked Scheme

While the owners of Deb’s Philly Cheesesteaks celebrated a Lee stamp of approval, their old bosses made an interesting discovery ...
Why This 20-Year-Old White Dude is <i>Super</i> Viral on TikTok For His Karaoke Version of a Keith Sweat Classic

Why This 20-Year-Old White Dude is Super Viral on TikTok For His Karaoke Version of a Keith Sweat Classic

A young Georgia man is the talk of Black TikTok after getting a room full of ladies excited with a 1990s slow jam ...
Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images, Gabriele Dell'Otto.

Ryan Gosling’s Casting as Black Panther in the Next Film, Explained

After a new Marvel comic introduces a white Black Panther, fans discuss whether Ryan Gosling should take on the role ...