EXCERPTS

The criterion for the rap artists profiled in this book is an established relationship to cinema. Rap musicians have film soundtrack credits that include music projects that were recorded hits before being attached or included in a film or television project. For that reason, soundtrack and other music resumes are not listed. The focus for this topical reference book will be on the film resume. Television projects are listed only if cinema projects are included. Selected film projects and awards are mentioned. The profiled artists are rappers who were able to apply their talent and work ethic to film. A recurring commonality among those profiled is the capability to protect the mind, respect the body, and develop a strong work ethic with time well spent in leisure activity while in pursuance of a never-ending quest for love and balance. The possession of strong entrepreneurial skills, philanthropy, and uplifting influence are well represented.

Common aka Lonnie Rashid Lynn (1972), rapper, actor, executive producer, author, philanthropist. Expanding the scope of hip hop influence, Common won an Academy Award in 2015, along with John Legend, for Best Original Song, “Glory,” for the movie Selma. He received an NAACP Image Award for acting in the film, as well. Recognized for consciousness-raising rap lyrics, his breakthrough mainstream album was “Like Water for Chocolate,” in 2000. After several years of cameo and guest appearances in film and television, in 2006 Common attained a major acting role in the movie Smokin’ Aces and has maintained a balanced career in music and film ever since. He seamlessly navigates between film and television, taking the lead in the 2006 movie Just Wright, with a major role in the television western Hell on Wheels. Starting with the movie LUV in 2012, Common fully developed his business sense for producing and executive producing a variety of well-received projects. He has authored several books that include One Day It’ll All Make Sense and children’s books The Mirror and Me and I Like You, But I Love Me. In 2007 Common started a full-service youth foundation, Common Ground Foundation, based in his birthplace Chicago, Illinois. Committed to health and fitness, Common created a series called Com+Well on his YouTube channel in 2020.

Award: Grammy Award (2016, 2003), Academy Award (2015), BET

Hip Hop Award (2014, 2007, 2006), Golden Globe (2015), Black

Reel Award (2015), NAACP Image Award (2015)

Movie (producer, actor): LUV (2012)

Movie (executive producer): Burning Sands (2017)

Movie (actor): Ava (2020), The Informer (2019), The Kitchen

(2019), Run All Night (2015), Selma (2014), Every Secret Thing

(2014), Now You See Me (2013), Movie 43 (2013), The Odd Life

of Timothy Green (2012), New Year’s Eve (2011), Just Wright

(2010), Date Night (2010), Wanted (2008), Street Kings (2008),

American Gangster (2007), Smokin’ Aces (2006)

Documentary (executive producer): 40 Years a Prisoner (2020),

They Fight (2018), America Divided (2016), Two Trains Runnin’

(2016), Magic Men (2013)

Television Movie (executive producer): An American Girl: Melody

1963-Love Has to Win (2016)

Television (executive producer, actor): The Chi (2018-2020, actor,

2018-2019), Framework (2015)

Television (actor): The Lion Guard (2017-2018, voice), Hell on

Wheels (2011-14)