Movie Commentary

Urban Legends

What makes rappers such compelling movie actors? The screen debuts of T.I. and Big Boi in ''ATL'' inspire a look back at hip-hop's 10 best performances
| Nov 04, 2005
Rappers in movies: the 10 best performances | 102418__pdiddy_l

Diddy

Monster's Ball (2001)

REAL NAME Sean Combs

RAP PERSONA Luxe-living, self-made tycoon

SCREEN CHARACTER Lawrence Musgrove, condemned death row convict in a Southern prison, whose guards include Hank (Billy Bob Thornton, right) and Sonny (Heath Ledger, left). His estranged wife Leticia (Halle Berry) has grown close to Hank, though none of them is aware of their mutual connections.

WHY HE'S GREAT More so than on record, Combs is convincing as a hard case (''I'm a bad man,'' he tells his young son). As a man numbed by violence, he gives a quiet performance that's surprisingly poignant.

EW MOVIE GRADE B- (Read the review)

IF YOU LIKE THIS Combs tweaks his rap-kingpin status as a crime boss in Made.