Changing the Game: Ghetto Supa Star to Sitcom Star

Vibe.com, June 9th, 2004

For most actors or comedians landing a cushy sitcom gig would be the sign of great things to come, but for your average rapper landing a comedic show could signal that their music may no longer be relevant. These days former MCs like Will Smith, Queen Latifah, and Heavy D have made mad cheddar from situational comedies, but they are no longer viable hip hop commodities. Does the music suffer when it's not the chief hustle? Case in point, Will Smith, arguably the first rapper turned sitcom megastar produced mediocre but hugely popular hip hop hits before his turn as the star of The Fresh Prince of Bel Air. Although one of his most popular singles 'Summertime' was released while he was starring on Fresh Prince, the majority of his post sitcom albums have been less than stellar - Men in Black soundtracks anyone. Queen Latifah, who basically wrote the prototype for crossing over, has eluded recording success ever since she blew up on the small screen. Of course, she hit us with her notorious "Who you callin a bitch" anthem after the debut of Living Single, but that was well over a decade ago. Other than belting out tunes for Chicago she hasn't been really visible on the music scene.

Presently we have Eve, who made the transition from Ruff Ryder to UPN chick on her self-titled sitcom look seamless. Her last album, Eve-Olution didn't make a lot of noise on the Billboard charts but she still maintained her visibility. Eve, who is clearly following in the Queen's footsteps, transitioned from music to television and movies. It seems she has abandoned her rap persona altogether, she even lets Missy kick the flow on her theme song for her show. The latest rappers turned sitcom actors are Redman and Method Man. Their show, Method and Red premiering on Fox July 14, mixes their real lives along with fictional situations. Method Man, whose present release Tical O: The Prequel was met with lukewarm reception, yet he and Redman, who hasn't had a hit in some time remain current on most hip hopper's radars. But will camping it up on Fox diminishe what little street credibility they have left? Will their careers go the route of Will Smith?