10 Rappers Who Could Leave Hip Hop For Hollywood And Just Might Win An Oscar

1. T.I. – You can't go any higher on the hip hop hierarchy than the King and there's not much left for T.I. to do with rap. Tip's had limited experience on the big screen so far, but all reports are saying that his performance in "Takers" will change that. He could have a long career ahead of him, especially since he'll be able to get away with playing a teenager for about the next 10 years.

2. Xzibit – X to the Z showed us he wasn't all ice grills and gravely voice when he started the TV custom car craze with "Pimp My Ride." Since then he's shown his range with turns in everything from "The X-Files" to "Gridiron Gang." He might've been doomed to playing the sucker emcee in "8 Mile," but he cut his braids and opened himself up to a world of opportunity. There's got to be a DIY Network show in this man's future.

3. Will.I.Am – Will.I.Am shocked us all with his role as John Wraith in "X-Men Origins: Wolverine," and we wouldn’t be surprised if he's being approached for other roles in big-budget films. Plus, he's got the underground and pop respect, so he's a bankable star who appeals to all audiences.

4. Cam'ron – You can't take any of the "Killa Season" DVDs as fair representations of Cam's skill as an actor. When you're writing, directing and starring, something—or everything—is bound to suffer. But if you saw Cam in "Paid in Full" you know that his presence on the screen is just as powerful as his presence on the mic. The Diplomats may be back together, but we think it'd be just as exciting if Cam moved to Hollywood.

5. Common – We don't know if it's the magical pixie dust that Erykah Badu sprinkled on him that got Hollywood calling, or the fact that a clean cut, bald headed black man with a sharp goatee will always find work. Regardless, Common's almost tied with his old nemesis Ice Cube for the most big-budget starring roles of any rapper in his generation.

6. Diddy – After we saw him in "Monster's Ball" and "A Raisin in the Sun," we were pretty sure that this Bad Boy should stick to music. But after seeing him in "Get Him to The Greek" we're convinced that he might have been mind-f*cking us all along.

7. Ludacris – Luda—check that, Chris Bridges—takes his acting seriously. From the stone cold Darius Parker in "Law & Order," to Mickey in Guy Ritchie’s "RocknRolla," Luda's proven he's got the juice to join the ranks of legendary little men like Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt.

8. Mos Def – It's not even fair to put Mos on this list, since he was working with folks like Nell Carter (RIP) and Bill Cosby before most of these other rappers ever rocked a mic. But since he rarely releases music anymore (though we're all waiting for him and Jay Electronica to drop "Simpatico"), and has no fewer than four films rumored to be in the works, it's safe to say that he's more actor than rapper these days.

9. Kid Cudi – This guy knows "How to Make it In America," and that's not as a rapper. Our guess is that "Man on the Moon: The End of Day" was more promo tool for his acting than a serious turn as an MC. Plus, getting caught with a controlled substance is definitely a sign that you'll fit in in Hollywood.

10. Kanye West – Mr. West hasn't done much on the screen at all except for a few voiceovers, but if his videos and onstage theatrics are any indication, he'll definitely give directors like Guillermo del Toro a run for their money when he's ready.

BONUS: Drake – This guy's not fooling us. Drake's an actor who got lucky when his hip hop hobby became an international obsession. We suspect he'll retire from rap after he sees how the checks stack up against that "Degrassi" money. But Drake better count his blessings, because it's not that easy for everyone to make the transition. Joaquin Phoenix must be hating him right now.

NOOO WAY!!! They can't leave hip hop for Hollywood!!! Who's gonna yo yo yo what's up if they're all leaving hip hop? D: