How many rappers become successful t.v. stars and then move on to become leading movie superstars? Not very many at all. There are a number who have been able to enter these fields with cameo appearances or in roles in once-off t.v. series or movies, but in general the move from musician to actor รข?? especially from rapper or hip hop artist - is not as easy as people outside these industries think.
The 1980s saw the burgeoning of the career of rap artist Will Smith, who, quite frankly, seemed to have a successful music career ahead of him. Things swung around for him in 1990 when Smith starred in the t.v. sitcom "The Fresh Prince of Bel Air." Not only was the opening music (Will's, of course)a great success - Will was improving every day as a rapper - but Smith's character and persona and character ruled the show from day one. He shone in the comedy genre, and already at the young age of 22 Will Smith had become a formidable t.v. presence.