Meet The Talented Guy Playing 'Compton's Snoop

Although the new movie Straight Outta Compton focuses on the rise and fall of N.W.A, it wouldn't be doing its job without at least hinting at the other major players in the late-'80s, early '90s gangsta rap game. Thankfully, the movie does more than hint; several non-N.W.A rappers appear in the film, from Tupac to Warren G. to Snoop Dogg. All of the actors portraying these rappers give great performances, but the guy playing Snoop stands out from the pack — he may not look identical to the famed artist, but man, does he gets the voice down. So if you're wondering who plays Snoop Dogg in Straight Outta Compton and where you can see him next, you're in luck: actor Keith Stanfield is one of the biggest up-and-coming actors working today.

Although unfamiliar to most audiences, Stanfield has amassed a truly impressive resume that includes a breakout role in one of the past decade's most acclaimed movies, a part in one of last year's Best Picture nominees, and upcoming appearances in two biopics sure to take home their fair share of awards come 2016. Here's what to know about Stanfield, the talented actor who steals the Compton show as Snoop:

He Broke Hearts In Short Term 12

If you haven't seen Short Term 12 , a 2013 indie dramedy starring Brie Larson as a supervisor of a group home for troubled teens, believe me, you're missing out. The movie is one of the best of the last decade, garnering rave reviews and a 99% Rotten Tomatoes score upon its release. Stanfield was nominated for an Indie Spirit award for playing Marcus, a tough, talented teen about to age out of the facility. Watch the scene where he raps about his childhood, above — I've seen the movie several times now, and it still gives me chills.

He Played A Hero In Selma

Last year's acclaimed Martin Luther King, Jr. drama featured a cast of all-star actors, from David Oyelowo to Oprah Winfrey. Stanfield played Jimmie Lee Jackson, a civil rights activist whose death at the hands of white state troopers was a key element in sparking the legendary Selma to Montgomery march.

He Takes His Music Seriously

Stanfield's talent for music should come as no surprise to anyone who sees him in Compton or heard him rap in Short Term 12, but he takes it to a more serious level with Moors, his L.A.-based band. Listen to his song "Asphyxiated," above.

He'll Be In Two Huge Biopics This Year

Stanfield has roles in two highly-anticipated biopics set for release later this year: Miles Ahead (above) about jazz legend Miles Davis, and Snowden, about Edward Snowden's decision to leak classified NSA documents. Potentially, he could be a part of two — or even three, if Compton gets a nod — Best Picture nominees this year.

He's About To Hit It Big

Earlier this month, it was announced that Stanfield would play Colin Warner, a real-life, wrongfully convicted prisoner who spent 20 years in prison before his eventual release in 2001, in an untitled film. It's a heartbreaking story, and there's no doubt that the actor will do it justice.

He's Had A Hell Of A Year

In 2015, Stanfield starred in Compton, had a role in the indie hit Dope, signed onto the Colin Warner film, and took a lead part in a thought-provoking Run the Jewels music video about police brutality (above). Not a bad year for an actor who was a total unknown just two years ago. Hopefully, the years to come will be even bigger and better for the talented star.

Images: Paramount Pictures; Sony Pictures Classics