Call it charisma, call it chemistry—or maybe just pure mischief—but when Denzel Washington, A$AP Rocky, and Spike Lee sat down for a GQ interview to promote their new film Highest 2 Lowest, what started as a deep dive into cinematic technique quickly turned into one of the most delightfully unexpected moments of the season. And it all began with a watch.
“Yo! I’m Getting Robbed by Denzel Right Now!”
During a discussion of Spike Lee’s signature dolly shots—specifically a sequence from his 1998 film He Got Game—A$AP Rocky asked a thoughtful question. But before Lee could finish his answer, Denzel Washington reached across the table and playfully swiped Rocky’s wristwatch, slipping it on with a grin and refusing to give it back.
“Yo! I’m getting robbed by Denzel right now…” Rocky laughed, turning to the camera. Lee piled on with mock horror, declaring Rocky might never see the timepiece again. Unfortunately for the rapper, the watch fit Washington’s wrist perfectly. Denzel flashed it triumphantly at the camera, adding a spontaneous dose of comedy to what was already a highly entertaining conversation.
It’s a moment that’s since gone viral—offering fans a rare glimpse at the off-screen rapport between two very different but equally magnetic stars.
From High & Low To Highest 2 Lowest
The watch-stealing bit is just one example of the authentic, playful energy fueling Highest 2 Lowest, which quietly debuted in select theaters on August 15th. A reimagining of Akira Kurosawa’s High and Low, Lee’s latest offering is a bold remix of a classic noir—with a distinctly 21st-century beat.
Washington plays a Quincy Jones-inspired music producer at the helm of a hit-making label called Stackin’ Hits. A$AP Rocky stars as his son, Yung Felon, a rising rapper caught between legacy, ambition, and the darker forces that fame attracts. It’s part father-son drama, part hip-hop industry thriller, and all filtered through Lee’s unmistakable cinematic eye.
The film marks the first on-screen pairing of Washington and Rocky—though judging by their recent interviews, you’d think they’ve been riffing off each other for years.
Denzel Washington: Hip-Hop Head?
This isn’t the first time Washington has shown surprising range in his recent press appearances. In fact, Rocky revealed that the Oscar winner has a serious appreciation for modern hip-hop, citing him as a fan of DMX, Moneybagg Yo, and NLE Choppa. And in an interview with Good Morning America, Washington gave a shoutout to Samara Cyn and Smino’s track “brand new teeth”, proving his ear is very much to the streets.
It’s an unexpected, almost myth-busting side of Washington—and it adds even more texture to his performance as a music mogul navigating generational divides, power dynamics, and shifting sounds.
Where To Watch Highest 2 Lowest
While its theatrical release was purposefully limited, Highest 2 Lowest will soon be available to stream. The film is set to land on Apple TV+ on September 5th, where it’s expected to reach a much wider audience. Especially those who’ve followed its buzz from underground favorite to must-watch status.
Watch Snatched, Spotlight Earned
Whether or not A$AP Rocky ever gets his watch back (we’re betting he doesn’t), Highest 2 Lowest is already ticking in the right direction. With its intergenerational cast, reimagined storytelling, and a viral PR boost from an impromptu comedy bit, Spike Lee’s latest proves that time-tested legends and new-school icons can not only coexist—but create something wholly original together. Highest 2 Lowest begins streaming on Apple TV+ September 5th, 2025.
