You know their lyrics. You know their sound. You also know that the following 5 artists are talented producers, directors, writers, and actors behind some of your favorite movies and TV shows. Boasting diverse portfolios, we salute the following talent who moved beyond rap music and entered into Hollywood business to secure more bread.
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Queen Latifah
All hail the Queen. The Newark, New Jersey-born rapper, actress, philanthropist and beauty
cosmetics maven is known for her hit single Ladies First. However, beyond rap music Queen
Latifah has a lot to brag about. She has been featured in the classic film Set It Off featuring Jada
Pinkett-Smith and played a major role in the acclaimed TV sitcom, Living Single.
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Ice Cube
Ice Cube has been producing and acting for so long that we almost forgot he is a legendary
rapper and focal point of NWA. With classic film franchises such as Friday and Barbershop
blessing his portfolio, Ice Cube, who never seems to age, will go down in history as one of the
best to merge all art forms.
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Tupac Shakur
Although deceased, Tupac Shakur’s art still carries on. Many can debate about his death, but it
is a universal understanding that his contributions to the music and movie space are like no
other. With films such as Juice, Above the Rim, and Poetic Justice in his portfolio, the Keep Ya
Head Up artist will always be remembered for his diverse talent and work left behind.
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LL Cool J
Hip-Hop fans go crazy when LL Cool’s – I’m Bad comes on the airwaves or at a dance party.
Don’t sleep, his fans feel the same way when they see movies that he is featured in. With
movies such as In Too Deep, Any Given Sunday, and Krush Groove getting favorable mentions,
you have to applaud the host of Lip Sync Battle for staying relevant. Imagine – we didn’t even
mention his TV shows. He’s been putting in that work.
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50 Cent
50 Cent got undeniable power and it is reflected in his acclaimed series Power. With top-notch
acting, producing, and directing skills – see Den of Thieves and Get Rich or Die Trying, this
Queens, New York phenomenon who had the underground Hip-Hop world in a trance with his
street classics Many Men, In Da Club and Wanksta has taken multitasking to a whole new level.
