A Definitive Ranking Of Rappers Acting In Movies

Who got the Juice?

16. Raekwon in Coalition

Image Entertainment

Why it's great: Raekwon makes his on screen debut in 2004's gangsters-meets-construction-workers b-movie, Coalition. His epic fail of a performance — specifically his version of "dying" — is probably the only reason to watch this thing.

15. Beanie Sigel in State Property

Lionsgate Films

Why it's great: The self proclaimed Broad Street Bully plays Beans, coining the term, "Get down or lay down." He even shoots his "friend" in the hand for refusing to roll up his weed. These are the violent, classic scenes viewers get to experience when you give rappers creative freedom. We need more of it.

14. The RZA in The Man With The Iron Fists

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Universal Pictures

Why it's great: Like he did for Wu-Tang Clan, RZA was at heart of everything here, starring, scoring, directing, and writing the screenplay for The Man With The Iron Fists. He brings his over the top, "Turn the other cheek and I'll break your fucking chin" line on "Protect Ya Neck" to life in a couple fight scenes, even popping a guy's eye out.

13. Kid 'n Play in House Party

New Line Cinema

Why it's great: Kid 'n Play's dance sequences in House Party alone are enough reason to keep rewinding it back. Without the fun these two brought on screen it may not have received its critical acclaim, and with the success of the first House Party they were able to make two sequels. It also opened the door for other rap duos to star in their own comedies.

12. Redman and Method Man in How High

Universal Pictures

Why it's great: Redman and Method Man take their talents to the big screen to star in the stoner comedy How High as Jamal and Silas, which has developed a cult following since its release. Their chemistry in hip-hop transfers over effortlessly on film. The phrase "get em" is now constantly used when playing a game of the dozens at any nearby high school.

11. T.I. in ATL

Warner Bros. Pictures

Why it's great: T.I. plays Rashad, a talented artist and teenager living in Atlanta with his uncle. Those who are fans of T.I. are familiar with his tougher, street-oriented demeanor but in ATL, he showcases his softer, vulnerable side. It's safe to say T.I. won the fight against T.I.P. for this film.

10. 50 Cent in Get Rich Or Die Tryin'

Paramount Pictures

Why it's great: 50 Cent stars as "Marcus," but let's be real, he's just being Curtis here. The climax of the movie shows "Marcus" being shot nine times at point blank range — sound familiar?

9. DMX in Belly

Warner Bros. Pictures

Why it's great: Starring alongside Nas in Belly as Tommy "Buns" Bundy — a New York gangster that has a spiritual awakening — DMX was the rapper who really shone here. His performance feels like one big rap concert which is over the top but you wouldn't want him any other way. He also coined the phrase "Get money, fuck a book" which are words we all should live by.

8. Snoop Dogg in Baby Boy

Columbia Pictures

Why it's great: Snoop plays Rodney, an ex-convict who was recently released from prison. He interrupts his ex-girlfriend's happy home and commandeers her couch all while making life a living hell for their son. The phrase "fuck your fort" is now useable in any situation when you DGAF.

7. Ice T in New Jack City

Warner Bros. Pictures

Why it's great: In New Jack City Ice T plays Scotty Appleton, a NYPD Cop with a vendetta against drug kingpin Nino Brown for killing his mother. He is the originator of the of anti-authority rapper turned movie cop, the formula later to be followed by gangster rappers everywhere.

6. Queen Latifah in Set It Off

Miramax Films

Why it's great: Queen Latifah made her transition from being a rapper who acts to an actress who raps because of her role in Set It Off. She plays Cleo, the die hard member of her group of friends who decides they should all rob a bank. Being the leader of the heist, Latifah definitely tapped into her hardcore hip-hop roots for her portrayal of Cleo. You have to respect the way she went out in a blaze of glory.

5. Eminem in 8 Mile

Universal Pictures

Why it's great: Eminem plays Jimmy in the semi-autobiographical film 8 Mile. He was the actor with the least experience but he brought the most to the table, all while showcasing battle rap to a mainstream audience. His last verse won him the battle against Papa Doc and would be forever ingrained in the minds of rap fans everywhere. Not to mention it was a box office smash and it won him an Oscar for best original song (Lose Yourself.)

4. Cam'ron in Paid In Full

Miramax

Why it's great: Paid In Full is a crime flick based on drug dealers Alpo Martinez, Rich Porter and Azie "AZ" Faison. Cam'ron steals the show as the character Rico — based on Alpo — a wild street hustler whose brash attitude you can't help but admire. All while coining phrases like "N***as die everyday B" and "No rice, no ribs, no champagne," Cam is the reason it's a certified cult classic.

3. Tupac in Juice

Paramount Pictures

Why it's great: 1992's Juice showcased Tupac's talents as an actor and his portrayal of good friend-turned-psycho killer, Bishop, plays a large part in why the film has gained a cult-like following. Tupac fans everywhere know his monologue in the hallway with Q word for word.

2. Ice Cube in Boyz n the Hood

Columbia Pictures

Why it's great: It was the first movie Ice Cube appeared in and was a great start to his lengthy movie career. It also coined the famous phrase "Either they don't know, don't show, or don't care about what's goin' on in the hood." Cube got off to an early start showing his range as an actor and it paid off in the long run."We gotta problem here?" Well, Cube don't 'cuz today was a good day.

1. Will Smith in Independence Day

20th Century Fox

Why it's great: Will Smith is the epitome of the rapper-turned-actor, and his starring role in Independence Day was the catalyst to his meteoric rise in film. It was the proof that he was no longer a sitcom actor or bubblegum rapper. The Fresh Prince did preeetttty well for a rapper that came out of West Philly.