Denzel Washington has addressed the surprise battle in Spike Lee’s Highest 2 Lowest, an English-language modern reimagining of Akira Kurosawa’s High and Low set against the pulsating backdrop of New York’s music scene. The film stars Washington as David King, a wealthy record executive forced to confront his privilege and power when faced with a ransom plot.
Highest 2 Lowest is Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes, scoring 91% since its theatrical release on Aug. 15, and is gearing up to hit Apple TV+ on Sept. 5. But beyond the tense plot and sleek visuals, there’s a surprise rap battle in the film’s final act, between Washington and A$AP Rocky’s Yung Felon, which has everyone buzzing.
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Washington addressed the rap battle scene in Highest 2 Lowest. When asked if the actor picked up any pointers from rapper and co-star A$AP Rocky, Washington stated: “I’ve been listening to rap music long before A$AP was born. I’ve been up on the music and culture for 40, 50 years.“
Director Lee added that the battle turned out to be one of the most electric and unscripted highlights of Highest 2 Lowest, stating it “lifted the whole film up.” On filming the scene, Lee said: “They were flowing. It was a rap battle! That was gold. That was better than anything written.” Washington quipped: “We were battling!“
What These Comments Mean For Highest 2 Lowest’s Ending
Highest 2 Lowest marks Denzel Washington and Spike Lee’s first movie collaboration since 2006’s Inside Man, and it has shaped up to be a hit. While Washington was somewhat joking, his rap battle isn’t just a quirky highlight; it underscores his connection to the genre, enriching the themes of Highest 2 Lowest as a whole with his pᴀssion.
The ending of Highest 2 Lowest sees a seasoned music executive and a street rapper meet in a lyrical showdown, blurring the lines between performance and reality. The rap battle showcases a metaphorical clash between artistic generations, with A$AP Rocky’s character conflicting with the legacy of David, and the fact that Washington and Rocky “were flowing” only adds to the sequence’s impact.
Our Take On Highest 2 Lowest’s Rap Battle
Washington delivering a brilliant unscripted performance is the kind of thing that elevates Highest 2 Lowest from a compelling thriller to a cultural touchstone. Although Washington’s comments had a hint of humor behind them, they are very true, as attested to by Lee’s own recollection of the scene, showcasing Washington’s freestyle talents, despite the A-lister stepping into unscripted territory.
Considering Washington and Rocky have a significant legacy in their respective mediums, it is brilliant to see how they clash in Highest 2 Lowest‘s ending rap battle. Lee knows a thing or two about letting moments breathe, and this only demonstrates how the best scenes can sometimes come from the freedom given to the actors, or in this case, musicians.
