The Casting Call

With the Golden Globes airing last night it got me thinking about how many of this year’s most critically-acclaimed movies have in common with hip-hop. So much so that I put together a list comparing rapper’s real life stories to the fictional lives found onscreen.

Slumdog Millionaire – This Golden Globe award winner for the best movie is about a young kid who basically hits the jackpot after wining a local game show. Yet many viewers think he cheated sparking controversy among viewers. Sounds a lot like teen sensation Soulja Boy’s claim to fame. The lucky teen scored a massive hit last year with “Crank That” but many in the hip-hop community didn’t want to give the rap rookie credit, especially O.G. rapper Ice-T.

Gran Torino – In this raw drama, nominated for best original song – Clint Eastwood plays a bitter, old war hero, pissed off about his relationship with his family and what has become of his old neighborhood – now hugely populated by Asian immigrants. There couldn’t be a better correlation than veteran Southern rapper Scarface. According to his recent interviews, Facemob is none too happy with the current climate of rap music. In fact “he hates it.”

The Dark Knight – Heath Ledger was awarded a Golden Globe last night for his role as the maniacal, violent Joker in the latest Batman saga, and who better mirrors his persona than Eminem. Known for his sadistic raps about killing his ex-wife, his vicious attacks against his mom and going toe to toe with any of his rap foes, Eminem is the perfect candidate to fill this bad guy’s shoes.

The Wrestler – This critically-acclaimed film, which took home several honors at last night’s ceremony is about a washed up, one-time wrestling champ who suffers a heart attack. Can someone say former West Coast hook king Nate Dogg? Before T-Pain and Akon, Nate was ultimate hip-hop crooner. Unfortunately he’s recently been experiencing health problems of his own, suffering two strokes last year alone.

And last but not least

Doubt – This controversial movie is about a priest accused of “inappropriate behavior” with one of his underage students. R. Kelly. Nuff Said.

Who did I miss? What other rappers would be perfect candidates to play some of your favorite movie characters?-J-Giss