WHEN KEEPING IT REEL GOES WRONG...

Good morning class. Today we’re going to cover a highly evolved and complex species in the world of hip hop: The Rapper-turned-actor. (scientific name: Actora fromecium Raptilien) Did everyone do the assigned reading? No? No worries. It has been well documented that dating as far back as the 1980s, rappers have often tried their hands in various theatrical capacities. Since the very beginning of this phenomenon, a slew of mixed reviews have made it nearly impossible to take a firm stance one way or the other. Simply put, some rappers are just more talented than others. Because of this dichotomy, I will stay away from an official “yay” or “nay” on the subject. For reasons beyond my understanding, hip hop artists always seem to lose credibility among their original fan bases whenever they attempt to make that jump into Hollywood. To my knowledge, there are a few key exceptions worth noting: Tupac Shakur (Above the Rim and Poetic Justice), Andre 3000 (Be Cool and Four Brothers), and Common (Smoking Aces and Wanted). However, I’m not here to say that the odds are stacked against you. Once you’re successful, the opportunities will come a’knockin’. I can only suggest that when your number is called, you approach the thespian craft with the same vigor as you would approach your beloved music. Any effort less is nothing short of disrespectful, to both the select few members of the population who have worked so hard to perfect their acting talents, AND to the thousands of people that long to be in your position. By all means, get your money…But respect the game. Until next time, do YOU, do music.

-Gilles