A$AP Rocky Reveals The Rappers Denzel Washington Listens To On Set

In a revelation that surprised even the most diehard Hip-Hop fans, A$AP Rocky has shared that legendary actor Denzel Washington has a deep appreciation for contemporary Memphis rap — and not just in passing.

According to the Harlem rapper, the Oscar-winning actor regularly bumps artists like Pooh Shiesty, Moneybagg Yo, and NLE Choppa on set.

Speaking on The Run-Through with Vogue podcast, Rocky opened up about his experience working alongside Washington on their upcoming film Highest 2 Lowest, a reinterpretation of Akira Kurosawa’s 1963 crime thriller High and Low.

While the collaboration itself was a dream come true for Rocky, what really caught him off guard was Washington’s music taste.

“Denzel would pull up to the movie set playing Pooh Shiesty and Moneybagg Yo, swear to God,” Rocky said during the interview. “Can’t make this up.”

He continued, “He likes to listen to Memphis rappers, but modern Memphis rappers.” Rocky went on to describe a surreal moment when Washington began quoting lyrics from NLE Choppa.

“Then he started quoting NLE Choppa. I’m like, ‘You know NLE Choppa?!’ He like, ‘I don’t do drive-bys now, walk ’em down.’ I’m like, ‘Yo, Denzel, chill!’ It was crazy, he’s really tapped in, man.”

Directed by Spike Lee, Highest 2 Lowest is set to premiere later this month at the Cannes Film Festival, with a theatrical release date of Aug 22. The film will also be available for streaming on Apple TV+ starting Sept 5.

The project marks a unique moment in both Washington and Rocky’s careers — one bridging the worlds of classic cinema and contemporary street culture.

Though Denzel’s Hip-Hop bonafides aren’t worn on his chest, Rocky, who’s known for his own syrupy sound, seems to have found an unexpected kindred spirit in the 70-year-old actor.

Watch the Highest 2 Lowest trailer below.