Many artists in the Hip-Hop and R&B family have decided to throw their hat into the metaphoric acting ring in an attempt to expand their repertoire as well-rounded performers. In some instances, I believe this effort has proved well worth it while in others, it is blaringly apparent artists should stick to their music, solely. Whether in the booth or on the big screen, for example, Mos Def is one of my favorite performers and, acting-wise, has participated in such productions as Monster’s Ball, The Italian Job, Chappelle’s Show, Bamboozled, Topdog/Underdog, Something the Lord Made, and the award-winning HBO spoken word series, Def Poetry Jam. Other artists, as in the cringe-worthy performances of The Game and Big Boi, should stop while they’re not ahead.

Let’s for the sake of positive vibes, stick to the Hip-Hop and R&B heads who can do it all such as Jamie Fox, Eminem, Queen Latifah, and Will Smith. Most recently Chi-Town’s own, Common, has taken a pointer from the diversified portfolio’s of these stars and stated his desire to concentrate more intensely on acting while still maintaining work with his beloved Hip-Hop. Though Smokin’ Aces was not one of my favorites, his voiceover treatment in the recent Superbowl Gatorade spot (see below) was really striking. I do love me some Common and so am willing to give him a pass with the whole Smokin’ Aces fiasco considering his new found diligence in pursuing his second love with greater zeal.

Hip-Hop Wired recently caught up with Common and discussed his upcoming music and acting projects. Check out what he had to say on the matter:

I hope it works out Common, ‘cause despite some big names in the rapper-actor crossover game, there are enough notable casualties to have created an embarrassing on-screen reputation. You’re good people’s though, so let’s pray to Jehovah that you seamlessly move into Mos Def territory.