【History Archives】

We are History Archivesliving in Riz Ahmed's moment, and it is a glorious time to be alive. Not only is the rising actor everywhere from blockbuster films to talk-of-the-town TV, but his visibility turns on the lightbulb connecting Riz Ahmed the actor with Riz MC the rapper.

Ahmed isn't cagey about his rap career (though he's no Scott Patterson with the shameless plugs), but there's a guaranteed initial shock when you realize that Bodhi Rook can spit rhymes that are out of this world.

We dove into Ahmed's musical appearances to give you what your day needs: His best rap videos, all in one place.

After his Tonight Showappearance, Jimmy Fallon took Riz aside and informed him that he's part of the number one movie and album in the country.

That album -- maybe you've heard of it:

That's one of three albums Riz is on this year. In January, he released a solo mixtape called Englistan, which is full of infectious beats and mad bars.

As of 2014, Riz joined forces with Heems (Himanshu Kumari Suri of Das Racist). In October they released the EP Cashmere, which includes ear worms like "Tiger Hologram," the bilingual "Aaja" and the thrilling deep cut "Benny Lava."

As his rapping talents gain attention alongside his acting abilities in Rogue Oneand The Night Of, comparisons are being drawn between Ahmed and a certain other young Renaissance man: Donald Glover.

“I recently hung out with him in London,” Ahmed told Complexin December. “I find him really inspiring. I admire how he’s a person who does all these different things — much like I do.”

But it wasn't the first time they've met.

The word that keeps getting thrown around to describe Ahmed's work is "political," be it rap, film or television. But the sharp edge to his hustle is nothing new.

Let's count our blessings that Riz was born in this galaxy and that he's bringing a whole world of brilliance with him into the spotlight.

Additional reporting by Brian De Los Santos.