Top 20 Rappers and Hip Hop Artists Turned Actors
Rappers have crossed into film and television for decades, building second careers that span action hits, award season dramas, sitcoms, and prestige series. Many started with breakthrough records, then expanded into screen roles that showcased timing, presence, and a feel for story shaped by years of writing and performing.
This list gathers artists who began in rap or hip hop and went on to consistent on screen work. You will find leads of major franchises, producers who built entire TV universes, and performers who took stage skills to film sets and writers rooms, often adding directing, scoring, and voice roles along the way.
Will Smith
Will Smith started with DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince, releasing radio hits that brought rap to a wide audience. Television introduced him to acting through the sitcom ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’, a platform that led directly to film offers.
He headlined blockbusters such as ‘Bad Boys’, ‘Men in Black’, and ‘Independence Day’, then moved into awards territory with roles like ‘Ali’ and ‘King Richard’. His career includes dramatic leads, action franchises, and producing credits that helped shape projects from early development.
Queen Latifah
Queen Latifah began as a pioneering rapper whose albums brought socially focused storytelling to mainstream listeners. She moved to television with ‘Living Single’, building a steady screen presence.
Her film work includes ‘Set It Off’ and ‘Chicago’, the latter earning a nomination for a major acting award. She also leads the network series ‘The Equalizer’ and continues to alternate between film roles, television leads, and production work.
Ice Cube
Ice Cube emerged from N.W.A and a successful solo run before stepping into acting with ‘Boyz n the Hood’. He shifted into writing and producing by co creating the comedy ‘Friday’, which expanded into sequels and a lasting cultural footprint.
He built multiple film franchises including ‘Barbershop’, family comedies like ‘Are We There Yet’, and action comedies such as ’21 Jump Street’. His behind the scenes work has included writing, producing, and guiding projects that reflect West Coast stories and humor.
Ice-T
Ice-T helped define early gangsta rap with narrative tracks that documented street life. His transition to acting began with films such as ‘New Jack City’, which capitalized on his gritty delivery and presence.
Television cemented his screen career with a long running role as Fin Tutuola on ‘Law & Order: SVU’. He has also narrated documentaries, appeared in reality programming, and performed voice roles that extend his distinctive cadence to animation and games.
LL Cool J
LL Cool J was one of Def Jam’s earliest breakout stars, releasing albums that pushed rap into the pop mainstream. Film roles in titles like ‘Any Given Sunday’ and ‘Deep Blue Sea’ followed as he expanded his range.
He became a network mainstay as Sam Hanna on ‘NCIS: Los Angeles’, anchoring hundreds of episodes. Alongside acting he has hosted live television specials and maintained a presence in music and entrepreneurship.
Tupac Shakur
Tupac Shakur trained in theater as a teenager while building a rap career that brought vivid storytelling to national attention. He stepped into film with ‘Juice’ and followed with roles in ‘Poetic Justice’ and ‘Above the Rim’.
He continued balancing recording with acting, taking parts that drew on his intensity and charisma. Projects like ‘Gridlock’d’ showed a growing interest in character work that pointed to a broader film career.
Ludacris
Ludacris built a music profile through high energy singles and albums that dominated radio. He moved into acting with supporting parts that led to a key role in the ‘Fast and Furious’ series as tech expert Tej.
Beyond the racing franchise, he appeared in the ensemble drama ‘Crash’ and in smaller features and television projects. He has also produced across music and media, using on screen momentum to diversify work behind the camera.
50 Cent
50 Cent parlayed multiplatinum albums into a film debut with ‘Get Rich or Die Tryin”. He then shifted to television with ‘Power’, playing Kanan while serving as an executive producer and shaping the show’s expansion.
His screen credits include crime thrillers like ‘Den of Thieves’ and sports drama ‘Southpaw’. He has built a slate of series across networks that leverage his experience in music, storytelling, and business.
Common
Common established himself with lyrically rich albums and collaborations that earned widespread recognition. He brought a grounded presence to films like ‘Selma’ and action entries such as ‘John Wick: Chapter 2’.
He has also led romantic comedy ‘Just Wright’, taken on voice roles in family features like ‘Smallfoot’, and contributed to soundtracks. His work spans film, television, theater, and publishing, often connecting music and acting in the same project.
Method Man
Method Man broke out with Wu Tang Clan and solo albums before moving into film with the cult comedy ‘How High’. He added dramatic television work with a recurring role on ‘The Wire’.
He currently plays attorney Davis MacLean in ‘Power Book II: Ghost’, bringing steady screen time in a successful spinoff. Additional credits include features like ‘Keanu’ and guest spots that showcase both comedic timing and dramatic range.
RZA
RZA launched Wu Tang Clan and built a parallel career in scoring and film craft. He acted in and directed ‘The Man with the Iron Fists’, blending martial arts influences with hip hop aesthetics.
As an actor he has appeared in projects such as ‘American Gangster’ and ‘G.I. Joe: Retaliation’. He scores and produces for film and television, often integrating music direction with narrative development.
Snoop Dogg
Snoop Dogg’s debut marked him as a West Coast voice with a laid back flow that became instantly recognizable. On screen he moved from cameos to larger parts, starting with films like ‘Training Day’.
He added comedies such as ‘Starsky & Hutch’, horror with ‘Bones’, and animated voice work including ‘The Addams Family’. He has hosted television specials and reality series, extending his brand across multiple formats.
Mos Def (Yasiin Bey)
Mos Def built a reputation as a nimble lyricist with solo records and Black Star. He shifted into acting with films such as ‘The Italian Job’, ‘Be Kind Rewind’, and ‘The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy’.
On stage he starred in the play ‘Topdog/Underdog’, earning theater acclaim alongside screen work. He continues to appear in independent projects while recording and touring under the name Yasiin Bey.
Mark Wahlberg
Mark Wahlberg started in hip hop with Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch before pivoting to acting. Early roles led to a breakout in ‘Boogie Nights’, which established him as a film lead.
He followed with titles like ‘The Departed’, ‘The Fighter’, and entries in the ‘Transformers’ series. He also produces television and film, building projects across drama, comedy, and action.
Eve
Eve’s rap hits and collaborations made her a chart fixture before she moved to the screen. She appeared in the ensemble comedy ‘Barbershop’, which introduced her to film audiences.
Television followed with the sitcom ‘Eve’ and later the music drama ‘Queens’. Additional film credits include ‘Whip It’ and supporting roles that align with her music background.
T.I.
T.I. translated Atlanta rap success into a film debut with ‘ATL’. He added crime and ensemble roles with ‘American Gangster’ and ‘Takers’.
He joined the Marvel universe with parts in ‘Ant-Man’ and ‘Ant-Man and the Wasp’. His screen work spans features, television appearances, and producing, often tied to stories set in the South.
DMX
DMX brought a raw vocal style to rap that resonated across multiple albums. He brought that intensity to action films like ‘Romeo Must Die’ and ‘Exit Wounds’.
He continued with ‘Cradle 2 the Grave’ and other thrillers that matched his persona. His credits include television appearances and documentaries that trace his life and work.
Nas
Nas is known for narrative heavy albums that influenced a generation of lyricists. His acting includes the cult favorite ‘Belly’, which paired him with other artists in a stylized crime drama.
He contributed narration and music supervision to the series ‘The Get Down’, connecting his voice to a story about the birth of hip hop. Additional appearances span film cameos, documentaries, and producing roles tied to music history.
Bow Wow
Bow Wow transitioned from teen rap stardom to screen work with family film ‘Like Mike’. He followed with the skating drama ‘Roll Bounce’, expanding his filmography.
Television roles include the procedural ‘CSI: Cyber’ and guest appearances across network series. He continues to split time between music, hosting, and acting in features and television.
André 3000
André 3000 built a boundary pushing catalog with OutKast before moving into films like ‘Four Brothers’. He co led the musical film ‘Idlewild’, which drew on his performance roots.
He portrayed Jimi Hendrix in ‘Jimi: All Is by My Side’, adding biographical drama to his résumé. Television credits include the anthology ‘American Crime’ and guest roles that pair music and acting experience.
Share the artist who surprised you the most on screen in the comments and add any names you think deserve a spot.