From chart-topping hits to Hollywood blockbusters, many rappers turned actors have proven themselves as multi-talented entertainers.

Over the years years, the trend of “rappers turned actors” has only grown stronger. With a natural flair for performance, these artists have successfully transitioned from the music industry to the big screen.

READ: 13 Comedians Who Played The Hell Out of Their Dramatic Role

From legendary figures like Tupac and Ice Cube to modern-day sensations like Donald Glover, let’s take a closer look at the top rappers turned actors who have consistently made both great music and great acting.

Side Note. This list ONLY includes people whose rap careers took off prior to their acting careers.

 

 

Donald Glover/Childish Gambino

He went from “Community” to “Atlanta” and “Solo: A Star Wars Story,” proving he’s a multi-talented force to be reckoned with in both music and acting.

 

LL Cool J

From “Mama Said Knock You Out” to “NCIS: Los Angeles,” he’s still killing it.

 

Queen Latifah

She proved “Ladies First” in music and “Chicago” on the big screen. She’s proved when it comes to acting, no category is off=limits with most recently showing how to kick ass for those who can’t in her CBS series ‘The Equalizer.’

 

Will Smith

He went from “Summertime” and being the first rapper to win a Grammy to “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” and one of the few Black actors to win an Oscar in a lead category. After he made history in music he became one of the biggest actors in Hollywood

 

RZA

Not only is RZA behind and apart of one of the dopest rap groups of all time, Wu-Tang. But he’s also an accomplished actor, directed of a few films, and co-creator. Honestly, what can’t RZA do.

 

Mos Def/Yasiin Bey

He went from “Black on Both Sides” to “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy,” showcasing his talents in music and acting.

 

Kid Cudi

From “Day ‘n’ Nite” to “Entergalactic,” Kid Cudi’s music and acting career are both out of this world!

 

Andre 3000

He may have “stank on his hang” in music, but his acting roles, including “Idlewild” and “American Crime,” have shown off his versatility.

 

Ice T

The “Cop Killer” rapper became a cop on “Law & Order: SVU,” but still keeps his music career going strong.

 

50 Cent

“Get Rich or Die Tryin'” led to “Power,” “For Life,” and more. And not just acting but also being the string behind countless popular tv series.

 

Ice Cube

Ice Cube’s transition from rapper to actor is probably the most interesting becuase he not only acts but some of his projects are family-friendly films which is very opposite from his N.W.A. days.

 

Kid N Play

From rapping to films that showcased their rap skills, Kid ‘n Play showed they knew how throw a classic House Party.

 

Common

From “I Used to Love H.E.R.” to “Selma” and “John Wick,” his music and acting careers have been equally impressive.

 
 

Snoop Dogg

From “Gin and Juice” to “Soul Plane,” Snoop Dogg’s music and acting careers have been going strong for decades. Don’t miss his hilarious performances in “Training Day” and “Starsky & Hutch.”

 

Method Man &Redman

The Wu-Tang Clan member has a method to his acting skills. You can currently catch him scheming in “Power Book II: Ghost.” And his other half of the legendary hip-hop duo Method Man & Redman, Redman has also made his mark in the acting world with roles in “How High” and “Seed of Chucky.”

 
 

Ludacris

The “Southern Hospitality” rapper brought his larger-than-life personality to “Fast and Furious” and other films, earning critical acclaim.

T.I.

With hits like “Whatever You Like” and “Live Your Life,” T.I. has proved he has what it takes to make it in the music industry. And his acting roles in “Ant-Man” and “Get Hard” prove he’s just as talented on screen.

 
 

Shad ‘Bow Wow’ Moss

He started as a kid rapper and graduated to “CSI: Cyber,” “Entourage,” and more, proving he’s more than just a rapper.

 
 

DMX

The “Ruff Ryders Anthem” rapper made a mark in films like “Belly” and “Cradle 2 the Grave,” showcasing his raw intensity on the big screen.

 

Eve

She went from “Let Me Blow Ya Mind” to “Barbershop,” “xXx,” and other films, showing off her versatility as an actress.

 

Tupac

The legendary rapper had memorable roles in “Poetic Justice” and “Above the Rim” before his tragic death, leaving a lasting impact on both music and acting.

 

Heavy D

The “Now That We Found Love” rapper transitioned to acting, including roles in “The Cider House Rules” and “Boston Public.