Rappers' Breakout Film Roles

Many MCs followed 2Pac's path from hip hop to Hollywood.

Juice (1992) - In this vehicle that launched Tupac as a film star (and cinematic thug soldier), Jackson was the perfect street info man in the role of Trip. His keen ear to the street would put Starsky & Hutch's Huggy Bear to shame.(Photo: Courtesy Island World)
/content/dam/betcom/images/2011/08/Music-08.01-08.15/080311-Music-Rappers-In-Movies-Tupac.jpg
8 Mile, Thursday at 1:30P/12:30C - Eminem's saying: "Yes" to his dreams.(Photo: Universal Pictures) 
ATL, T.I.,  Jason Weaver, Jackie Long, BET Star Cinema, Flicks of the WeekIce Cube in Boyz N the Hood - Both Cube and first-time director John Singleton made history with this gritty, real film about Southern California 'hood life, but the rapper's ability to reach into his past and infuse his character, Doughboy, with his memories made this an unforgettable debut.(Photo: Courtesy Columbia/ Everett Collection)

Next Gallery

The Best Black Celebrity Looks From NYFW That Shut Down the Runway and the Streets

9 Photos

2 / 11

Tupac Shakur, Juice - Tupac's brilliant, chilling turn as arch-villain Bishop in Juice immediately established him as a credible actor, helping him later land roles in films like Poetic Justice and Above the Rim.  (Photo: Paramount/courtesy Everett Collection)

ADVERTISEMENT