Some of these movies launched legitimate acting careers for these talented rappers.
From gritty dramas to blockbuster comedies, these 15 films showcase hip-hop legends delivering unforgettable performances.
Here are 15 movies where rap stars stepped up and showed their range.
New Line Cinema
The role showed everyone what Tupac could do switching from charming to terrifying in an instant.
This wasnt just some rapper trying to act this was a star being born.
Their chemistry jumps off the screen as they roll from LA to Oakland in a mail truck.
The film turned Ice Cube from a rap star to a Hollywood triple threat.
And it proved he could write, produce, and carry a movie.
Beneath Cleos tough exterior, Latifah layers in a real vulnerability.
Paramount Pictures
Her performance kicked open doors, leading straight to her Oscar nod forChicagoyears later.
DMX brings his raw energy to his character Tommy, a street hustler looking for redemption.
8 Mile (2002) Eminem
8 Miletells Eminems real-life story with a slightly fictional bent.
Columbia Pictures
Eve holds her own in the cutting battle of wits with Cedric the Entertainer and Ice Cube.
Trading verses for tactical gear, he shines opposite actors like Samuel L. Jackson and Colin Ferrell.
Playing a flashy dealer on the rise, Camrons performance feels lived-in, not acted.
New Line Cinema
Going up against Terrence Howards DJay, Ludacris ditches his usual playful style to show a darker side.
Their scenes crackle with tension, showing off acting chops nobody knew Luda had in the tank.
This role kicked open doors for bigger parts down the line.
New Line Cinema
Diddy jumps in as Sergio Roma, an unhinged music executive who sends Hills character on this insane mission.
The role lets him poke fun at music industry stereotypes while adding to the movies chaotic energy.
But Jamal Woolard nails it, bringing the late rapper back to life without turning him into a cartoon.
Artisan Entertainment
The flow, the charm, the presence its all there.
Plus, having a real rapper play one of hip-hops greatest icons makes all the difference.
Takers (2010) T.I.
Universal Pictures
and Chris Brown
T.I.
steps in as Ghost, fresh out of prison and carrying old grudges into a high-stakes heist.
Chris Brown surprises as the crews parkour expert, pulling off some legit stunts between shootouts.
20th Century Fox
Straight Outta Compton (2015) Ice Cube Jr.
Between staking bloodsuckers and dropping one-liners, the D-O-Double-G proves he can handle both the action and the laughs.
Sony Pictures
Miramax Films
MTV Films
Universal Pictures
Fox Searchlight
Sony Pictures
Universal Pictures
Netflix
