In Da Drama Club

This summer, three top MCs hit the big screen. Here, they sound off on their costars, their heroes, and their movie careers. DAN REILLY

spin 20

Ranking on Pop Culture Since 1998

RZA
Plays Seth Rogen’s grocery store
coworker in Judd Apatow’s
Funny People (July 31)

LuDACRIs
Portrays a social worker in the indie
hoops drama Ball Don’t Lie
(June 5)

WILL.I. Am
Stars as teleporting mutant John
Wraith in X-Men Origins: Wolverine
(out now)

“Seth Rogen’s my buddy—he’s a
focused motherfucker. He knows a
ton of hip-hop shit, and he’s a fan of
Wu-Tang and Bobby Digital.”

“James Pickens Jr. from Grey’s Anatomy gave me some acting advice. I respect his gangsta.”

“Dominic Monaghan and I introduced
each other to some new music, and
he came to my art show.”

“ Wolverine—I was supposed to audi-
tion for will.i.am’s part, but decided
I’d rather experience it as a fan.”

“Transformers. My homeboy
Tyrese is in there, so I’m definitely
looking forward to it.”

“Angels & Demons. I liked the
book better than The Da Vinci Code.
Tom Hanks is dope.”

“From my generation of MCs, Mos
Def. He’s got range. He’s definitely
the fuckin’ man.”

“Will Smith, Mos Def, Denzel.
Did you know Denzel rapped?
[Pauses] I’m just messing with you!”

“Ice Cube went from ‘Fuck Tha Police’ to Are We There Yet? My hat’s off to him.”

“Compared to rap, the movie indus-
try is like a new girlfriend—the sex is
new, so I like her more.”

“I’ll do more acting in my 40s and
50s. I’ll be like Samuel L. Jackson,
cursing everybody out.”

“I’d like to do more movies—maybe
direct. My imagination is huge.”

“Ha, okay: Welcome to Otto’s /
Market, where freshness is our
motto / Guaranteed organic brands
for your families to swallow.”

“Man, with all due respect, I’m going to have to get back to you on that one. I’m in here getting my hair cut.”

“Say what? I’d rather not do that—
because I’m in the movie as an actor
and not as a musician. I just don’t
want to do that. I don’t.”

Old EnOugh tO KnOw BEttEr LOOKING bACK AT OUR (RARE) LAPSES IN JUDGMEN T In December 1995, we predicted the Southeast Asian sport takra w—an acrobatic amalgamation of hacky sack and volleyball—would break big in the U.S. We should also point out we were al ways picked last in gym class.

“Americans are trying it. California, which hosted the annual U.S. National Championships this fall, is still the sport’s hotbed, but participation is growing quickly in places as far-flung as Minnesota and Georgia. With its ready supply of tall, quick-footed athletes, the U.S. could someday field a first-class takraw team. Maybe then we’d finally give up those World Cup soccer pipe dreams.”

iggy pop, Francophile Turns out that was a baguette all along

The lighting in Christian Bale’s Terminator Salvation Better fuckin’ be worth it

Bruce springsteen at Bonnaroo Continuing the proud tradition of New Jersey/Tennessee cultural exchange

properly celebrating the summer solstice If you’re usually a rogue or a mage, try playing a druid for a day

Margarita season begins In other news: Our heads hurt

Brett Ratner slated to direct Milli Vanilli biopic Although it will secretly be directed by McG

people who get excited for Bloomsday Are just asking to be beaten up

prince puts out a $2, 100 limited-edition ipod and accompanying photo book The third-weirdest thing he’s done this week

Crappy summer TV season Not just for summer anymore

Accentuating the name of your summer festival with an exclamation point, e.g. sasquatch! Renders the excitement infectious

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince finally opens We can’t wait to find out if Dumbledore dies

piRATEs! Somalian terrorists + Swedish torrentists = overarrrrbun-dance of eye patch jokes

Ursa Major, Third Eye Blind’s first album in six years Related story: span between “washout” and “amiably regarded nostalgia act” now six years

Will Ferrell stars in Land of the Lost remake Seems kind of tall for a Sleestak

Marilyn Manson, back in action Just in time for Dakota Fanning’s rebellious stage

summer Fridays Not such a big deal when you don’t have a job

socks with sandals Like rap-rock, a ’90s trend that shouldn’t be resuscitated

Khloe and Kourtney Kardashian get their own reality show Kouldn’t kare less

Yes answer fans’ prayers, head out on tour with Asia Eat it, King Crimson and Jethro Tull!

Clever messages in 140 characters or less Step off, Twitter. We were here first.

CLOCK WISE FROM TOP LEF T: JOHN SCIULLI/ WIREIMAGE; JOHN SHEARER/ WIREIMAGE; SGRANI TZ/ WIREIMAGE FOR THE RECORDING ACADEM Y; TOM MEDVEDICH

34 JUNE 2009 / SPIN.COM LOVES YOU FOR WHO YOU ARE