Sitting and thinking one day (yes I know, a very dangerous activity these days) I pondered those rappers that have moved on from their music to attain greater success in the acting industry (without, I might add of some, the ability to actually act). In thinking abut where they are now and where they came from, I started pondering the other half of their humble beginnings…the DJ.
Where are the DJ’s now? Why did they not make the leap with the rapper they made sound so good? Why did the rapper leave them behind? Methinks if you are a DJ of a small set (just you and the rapper), you might want to read this and consider putting together some lyrics as well.
While Ice-T has had some success in film (as in he’s made some) he’s probably best know now in acting circles for his work on “Law & Order: SVU.” I personally don’t watch the show, but it must get good ratings as it’s still around and there are a million “Law & Order” branch shows on television. In all of this, I have yet to see Evil E…Ice-T’s DJ from way back. I guess all the shout-outs on the tracks is as far as it goes for Evil-E when it comes to Ice-T reaching back and putting his DJ on in acting, regardless of his acting chops. I mean, if Ice-T can act…anybody can.
LL Cool J has probably had more success in the film industry than Ice-T (as in he’s made films that have made more money, if not really all that good) and like Ice-T is now on television in a crime drama, “NCIS: Los Angeles.” While he has had more success (arguably), his DJ has had far less. Cut Creator (far right in the picture) doesn’t even have a wikipedia page! I remember there was a whole song about him…and it was pretty good, but it seems that’s as far as the fame is going to go. I guess that phone call was never made asking him if he wanted to be an actor…for whatever reason. Heck…he could at least play a criminal on the show…but I digress.
Nobody refers to Will Smith as the Fresh Prince anymore….those days are done, and for good reason. He is one of the most talented actors of the 20th century and far exceeds anyone thus far mentioned in this post. In fact, I need say nothing at all about his acting career, it speaks for itself. Now, his DJ….Jazzy Jeff, is another story. It’s ironic that back in the day the duo was known as DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince when today top billing is all Smith ever gets. At least Jeff appeared on television with Smith during the days of the “Fresh Prince if Bel Air”….in a recurring role! However, when real fame hit, it looks like Jeff was given the jazz.
Don’t get me wrong…there is a LOT of money to be made being a DJ, and I’m sure those listed in this post make their fair share (although my research shows some make much more than others) and I’ve heard of the top DJ’s in the business making upwards of 250K a show! My point in all of this is if you are considering being a DJ for an up-and-coming rapper, you might want to also invest in some lyrics so that when the transition is being made from music to film, you have shot of going with the rapper.
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention Dr. Dre…DJ turned rapper, producer, and entrepreneur. His success, without becoming an actor, should be a real inspiration to DJ’s everywhere. That said…given the odds, I’d rather be the rapper in any DJ/Rapper duo.
As always…..make whatever you are doing work for you. Peace!
Sitting and thinking one day (yes I know, a very dangerous activity these days) I pondered those rappers that have moved on from their music to attain greater success in the acting industry (without, I might add of some, the ability to actually act). In thinking abut where they are now and where they came from, I started pondering the other half of their humble beginnings…the DJ. 
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