Hip Hop Artists are known for their creativity in a studio setting, but what other talents are they hiding? Here are five of your favourite artists and the secret skills they’ve cultivated.
5) Ice Cube Is An Architectural Drafter
Ever noticed that the rhymes of N.W.A had an amazing sense of structure? It might be Ice Cube’s influence. Before he shot to stardom with the legendary rap group, Cube studied ‘architecture drafting’ at the University of Phoenix!
4) Talib Kweli Is A Theatre Actor
The ‘Get By’ artist is known for treading the charts, but in another life, he was treading the boards. Talib studied ‘Experimental Theatre’ at a university in NYC and said the experience was formative.
‘In theatre, I learned how to be on stage, breathe, and create a sense of memory and a back story for the rap caricature of myself that I was presenting. Blocking, writing, all of this helps with MCing.’
3) Action Bronson Is A Chef
If you’ve ever wondered why ‘Mr Wonderful’ tends to mention food in his songs, it’s because he has a history with the subject. It turns out Bronson used to be a professional chef!
A.B maintains a keen interest in culinary artists, having authored two cookbooks and hosting his very own cooking show: ‘F*ck That’s Delicious’.
2) 50 Cent Is A Photographer
He’s got a sordid past with guns, but the type of shooting that Fiddy loves is with a camera! 50 Cent is an avid photographer and has even had his work published. In 2011, the rapper was a featured photographer for a special edition of ‘Smooth’ Magazine.
1) Childish Gambino Is A Writer
He’s brimming with talent as a rapper and actor, but did you know that Childish Gambino, aka Donald Glover, is also an accomplished writer? In addition to penning his own lyrics, Gambino has written scripts for shows including ‘30 Rock’ and ‘Atlanta’, a show he also created!
