Top 10 List of Best Actors in a Hip Hop Bio
So many biopic films have been just popping up back to back. We had straight outta compton in theaters last year, All Eyez On Me this year, and Crazysexycool: TLC story two years ago. Some were definitely better than others. One of those factors of that fact are the actors. Who plays the hip hop artist that we knew and loved (and still love) are very important. Here are the top 10 actors in hip hop biographical motion pictures.
10) Alexandra Shipp as Aaliyah in Aaliyah: The Princess of R&B
There was a lot of controversy over the making of this film, especially over the cast. It was rumored that Zendaya was offered the role and she respectfully declined. She also starred in Straight Outta Compton as Kim (Ice Cube’s girl). Although I personally did not support this film, she did a pretty good job. It’s not all on the actress. It’s the overall cast, directing a script that makes or breaks a film
9) Drew Sidora Jordan as T-Boz in Crazysexycool: TLC Story
I have not seen much of Drew Sidora after Step Up with Channing Tatum and Mario, but this was a great was of her getting back into the scene. I think she was a great fit to play T-boz and her presence fit well with the rest of the cast. The movie overall felt very real and I felt very drawn in with T-boz’s part of the story.
8) Eminem in 8 Mile
Even though he is literally playing himself, not many people can do that well (or have the chance to before life is over). This was one of the first bio pics that I have seen and it really did feel like i was watching his life right before my eyes. All of the fights that he got into, all of the rap battles were just so authentic.
7) Keke Palmer as Chilli in Crazysexycool: TLC Story
Based off the rise of TLC,Keke Palmer successfully played the role as Chilli from TLC. Knowing Keke from Aklia and the Bee, Jump In, and True Jackson V.P., I kind of forgot about her and just how talented she was. Before this, I didn’t really know what she was doing. This showed off her singing, acting, and dancing abilities. A true triple threat
6) Lil Mama as Left Eye in Crazysexycool: TLC Story
Not only do I think Lil Mama looks like Left Eye, I think she did an amazing job portraying Lisa. Just like Drew Sidora, she is also someone that i consider to have made a comeback through cinematography. I haven’t seen Lil Mama in any other film before this, so it was a huge surprise to see her in such an intense and raw storyline. She is more than a woman with her lipgloss poppin and I got to give her props.
5) Corey Antonio Hawkins as Dr. Dre in Straight Outta Compton
I absolutely loved Corey as Dr.Dre. I was a lot of passion and commitment behind his words throughout the whole entire film. I was absolutely sold at the fact that what he was saying were Dr.dre’s words completel. A lot goes on with Dr.dre in the film and he has to go through a lot of emotions. Corey was reactive in every single scene and it was a pleasure to watch him.
4) Naturi Cora Maria Naughton as Lil Kim in Notorious
I kind of forgot that she is the same woman playing Tasha in Power! This was the first time i ever saw her in anything before the tv series Power. I think she did more than an exceptional job playing Lil Kim. It was no secret that Lil Kim was in love with Biggie and Biggie did not always treat her right. It definitely was not an easy role to play. I believe this to be her best performance on screen
3) Jason Mitchell as Eazy E in Straight Outta Compton
If i could l would list everyone from this movie. It was just too good. But to be completely honest, Eazy E was my favorite. His story was very essential to the movie and his story line was the most emotional. Jason Mitchell did everything he needed to do to captivate one through a screen. The outrage, tears, and joy were clearly expressed through his acting. A job well done
2) Jamal Woolard as Notorious B.I.G in Notorious
This was one of the first biopics I have seen. Jamal Woolard was a perfect fit for Biggie. The way he talked and just they way he carried himself. He even played Biggie in the recent Tupac biopic All Eyez On Me ( which is a whole other conversation). I think that he was overall great and it’s a biopic that everyone can appreciate. He will forever be known for playing Biggie.
1) O’Shea Jackson Jr as Ice Cube in Straight Outta Compton
Ice Cube’s son himself plays Ice Cube. What better person to play you than your own son. This makes the movie even more sentimental and also shows how involved Ice Cube was. He looks snack like Cube and his acting is A1. It’s like he was walking in his father’s shoes and watching that is an experience in itself.
