A$AP Rocky may hold his own in the rap game, but even he admits he couldn’t keep up when Denzel Washington decided to flex his hip-hop chops.
The Harlem native, who stars opposite Washington in the highly anticipated A24 drama Highest 2 Lowest, revealed during a sit-down on Wallo and Gillie Da Kid’s Million Dollaz Worth of Game podcast that he got completely blindsided when the Oscar-winning legend started freestyling on set.
Rocky, joined by acclaimed director Spike Lee, recalled how the two-time Academy Award winner shocked the cast with his deep hip-hop knowledge — and some serious bars.
“In one of the scenes, Denzel just started freestyling Nas, Tupac, DMX — all these greats,” Rocky shared. “I didn’t know he was that much of a fan of hip-hop. I thought he was more on some Miles Davis, Alice Coltrane type vibe. But nah — he came through talking Moneybagg Yo lyrics, NLE Choppa lyrics, even DMX. He caught me off guard. Next thing you know, it felt like a rap battle…and I lost to Denzel.”
Denzel the Hip-Hop Head
According to Rocky, the moment wasn’t scripted — it was all Washington’s energy and love for rap culture. “Yo, I was fanning out the whole time,” Rocky admitted. “Just to see him freestyle like that, it was crazy.”
Spike Lee, who directed Highest 2 Lowest, said the moment perfectly showcased Washington’s power as both an actor and performer.
“Denzel is such a powerful force,” Lee said. “Not in a derogatory way, but he’s a beast. Rocky’s from Harlem, so I knew he wasn’t going to punk out. He planted his feet and went blow for blow. But if you don’t got it? Denzel will slaughter you. SLAUGHTER.”
From the Big Screen to Apple TV+
The film itself, Highest 2 Lowest, is already drawing buzz thanks to its powerhouse cast and emotional storyline. Produced by A24, the movie hits theaters this Friday before landing on Apple TV+ two weeks later.
Between Denzel’s unexpected rap skills and Rocky’s acting chops, fans are already calling the project one of the most exciting collaborations of the year.
TPR Angle: Play up the legend vs. rapper clash for virality. The “Denzel Washington out-raps A$AP Rocky” hook will get clicks, but backing it with Spike Lee’s commentary and release info makes it both entertaining and informative.