In the Hip-Hop community, artists are increasingly diversifying their portfolios in order to reposition themselves.
The Great Crossover
Hip-Hop fans have witnessed their favorites crossing industry lines as time has passed, something that was not always viewed favorably. But a few Hip-Hop legends bravely crossed the boundaries and dipped their toes in Hollywood’s waters.
Queen Latifah, Ice T, LL Cool J, and Tupac are among the members of this group. Not only were they able to establish their legacy in the music industry, but they were able to ascend to become dominant figures in Hollywood as well.
Hip-Hop/R&B Aspirational Inspirations
When someone paves the way, others are sure to follow. Female R&B Hip-Hop artists have, in recent years, demonstrated a growing fervor for further diversifying their cinematic portfolios.
Teyana Taylor, Ari Lennox, and Mary J. Blige have all made headlines for their desires to take on more significant projects in Tinsel Town.
Mary J Blige: Hip-Hop R&B Aspirational Inspiration #1
The legendary singer and actress Mary J. Blige recently spoke with late-night host Stephen Colbert about her phenomenal career in music and her expanding acting career. Blige’s ambitions were clearly evident on the recent episode of The Colbert Late Show when Colbert inquired into the artist’s acting aspirations. It didn’t take long for the “411” artist to answer the inquiry. According to Black Enterprise, Blige replied she had always dreamt of playing the music legend Nina Simone.
Blige’s dream of portraying Simone is not new news, as Blige made this revelation in 2009. However, Fans were shocked when a 2016 project was released on the late Simone without Blige in the starring role. Rather, the biopic featured the star of the famed “Avatar,” Zoe Saldana.
While not yet realized, Blige contends, she still dreams of playing Nina Simone. The aspirant dreamer told Colbert, “I want to learn how to play the piano. I love her songs. They are very dark and moody; I can always find a place for that. So yeah, I want to play her.”
And there is no doubt that if given the opportunity, she will bring her “A” game.
Those familiar with Teyana Taylor are familiar with her imprint in the Hip-Hop industry. In 2017, Taylor took home a VMA for Best Choreography in relation to Kanye West’s “Fade.”
In 2020, Taylor took home video director of the year at the BET Hip-Hop Awards. Her achievements are far from coincidental. The artist has always presented as a super talent, a multi-talent in terms of his abilities to sing, dance, choreograph, direct, and perform.
It’s safe to say that Taylor is becoming as familiar with the film industry as she is with her endeavors in music. Many were awakened to Taylor’s talent with her portrayal in the sequel to “Coming to America.”
But since Taylor has been fine-tuning her skills. Her performance in the recently released “A Thousand and One” was so riveting that it began generating Oscar buzz. An elated Taylor told CNN,
“To go from sitting at home watching the Oscars to being in Oscar-type conversations, of course, is an honor.”
But as recent reports note, Taylor is just getting started, so to speak. Reportedly, Taylor is now working on her newest project, transforming into the legendary Dionne Warwick. A very pleased Taylor recently revealed that it is true a Dionne Warwick biopic is currently in the works. If one were to gauge the promise of Taylor’s performance in this upcoming feature confidently, one need only look at current talks and who she lists as her inspiration. According to Taylor,
“… she’s been referencing Angela Bassett’s performance as Tina Turner in “What’s Love Got to Do with It” (1993) and Jamie Foxx’s performance as Ray Charles in “Ray” (2004) as examples she intends to emulate when playing Warwick.”
And if she can tap into the same energy, it is certifiable she will be a beast.
Ari Lennox: Hip-Hop R&B Aspirational Inspiration #3
When the name Ari Lennox is mentioned, “remarkably talented and beautiful” are a few words that come to mind. One thing fans will agree on is that Ari Lennox knows exactly how to apply “Pressure,” and she doesn’t hesitate to do so.
Lennox, who first entered the spotlight in the mid-2000s, has gradually built her success. The first track on her debut album, “Shea Butter Baby,” climbed to number seven on the Billboard Top R&B Album chart according to AllMusic. And Ari has been steadily ascending since.
Ari hasn’t solidified a significant presence in Hollywood yet. However, the artist has appeared in the hit television series “The Game” and has expressed interest in perhaps portraying the role of Tiana if ever an opportunity arose, i.e., a live-action remake.
Only a few weeks, the star took to Twitter to release a video in which she tagged Disney. The video was a soulful rendition of Lennox covering “Almost There,” sung by the title character in Disney’s “Princess and the Frog.” And from the moment she released that first note until the very last, it was evident that she was the perfect fit for the role of Princess Tiana.
Humanity holds an inherent desire to dream and achieve those dreams. Dreams motivate us to grow and evolve, regardless of our profession or status, making those with aspirations the true inspirations. And all three ladies embody what it means to succeed, expand, and transform.
