You hear the stories often where someone switches path. From flipping burgers or folding jeans (shout out Kanye), to becoming a music artist. But what about the other way around? What about when a rapper or singer decides to throw in the towel and step out the lime-light?
Below we give you a few examples of rappers reintroducing themselves into the world of totally different sectors…
Goldie Lookin’ Chain
Remember your favourite Welsh rap group Goldie Lookin’ Chain?
After rapping on tongue-on-cheek tracks “Guns Don’t Kill People”, “Rappers Do”, and “Your Mother Has A Penis”, one member of the group Rhys Hutchings went on to become the Labour councillor in Newport’s St Julians ward. Having been a Councillor for the area since 2012, earlier this year he left the party.
Vanilla Ice
Not exactly shunning the limelight, but Vanilla Ice tried his luck in renovating houses with the reality show Vanilla Ice Project for the DIY Network. Think Changing Rooms, but like, with Vanilla Ice. Classic TV. To date, he has a book, and even a training course in which he teaches people how to invest in property.
Chingy
Although Chingy is still floating around, the “One Call Away” rapper took a bit of a break. A study break in fact. Enrolling at the University of Khemetian Sciences, he dabbled as a full-time student studying ancient Egyptian philosophy.
Damage
The 90’s would be nothing without one of our favourite boybands Damage. Apart from a brief reunion in 2012, lead singer Jade Jones has trained as a chef and is rumoured to be working at Claridges (like what I did there?).
Oxide & Neutrino
One half of garage duo Oxide and Neutrino, and a member of So Solid Crew. Although he’s still doing the whole music thing, MC Neutrino is a semi-pro rugby player for London Cornish RFC.
MC Bushkin
MC Bushkin from Heartless Crew started a Vaping and e-Cigarette company called “Boss E Vapour” not too long ago, after cleverly seeing the growing demand and gap in the market. Smart move.
So there’s just a few examples of career-jumping musicians. There are so many artists on their entrepreneurial hustle, juggling successful music careers alongside equally successful businesses (shout out to J2K with Crep Protect and Sincere with Lizzy clothing to name just a few ). Hey, who knows, maybe Kanye will add President to his long list of achievements soon too?