Music to movies: Rappers as actors

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Hip-hop has nearly taken over the pop music scene, with rapper 50 Cent becoming the most-played artist on the Billboard Hot 200 ever and now rappers are getting in on the Hollywood scene as well. Eminem busted open the box-office in 2002 and DMX is currently starring in his second action movie. The rap game is taking over the entertainment universe and not everyone is alright with that plan.

“I think rappers in movies are the same as athletes in movies, they’re only put in the script so goofy fans will go see their favorite rapper try to act,” Will Harmon, sophomore, said. ” Most of the rappers in movies end up making the movie an acting joke, but people still go see it which makes it a good marketing ploy.” Though some of the rappers in movies actually have some acting talent, Eminem drew rave reviews for his performance in “8 Mile” and Queen Latifah received an Oscar nod for her supporting role in “Chicago.”

“I think he is a very good actor; he is really believable when he acts,” Gina Roswell, senior, said of Eminem’s performance in “8 Mile.”

Though “8 Mile” was acclaimed by millions some people had their doubts. “He did a good job, but I don’t know how well he would do if he were to take a role completely opposite of who he is,” Becca Simeone, freshman, said.

There are mixed opinions about the reasons that rappers have taken the plunge into acting. “I think they do it for more money and fame,” Ashley Szweda, sophomore, said.

Some rappers are not quite ready for the top-billing in a major motion picture, but they will throw a cameo in to just about any director who asks. Rob Coen, aware of Ja Rule’s obsession with fast cars had the rapper cameo in “The Fast and the Furious.”

Many rappers have taken the plunge into the acting world, Ice Cube’s acting credits are close to being equal to his album catalog, and the same can be said for LL Cool J. Most choose to start with comedies, like Cube in the “Friday” series and Method Man and Redman in “How High.”

“They want to see how far their talent will take them,” Simeone said. “It’s either that or they want to be more famous or prove to people that they can do more than just write music, rap or sing.”

Posted to the web by Paul Williams