Rapper and entrepreneur A$AP Rocky is navigating a significant period, highlighted by his co-starring role alongside Denzel Washington in the forthcoming Spike Lee-directed film, "Highest 2 Lowest." The movie marks a notable step in Rocky's acting career and comes after his recent acquittal in a trial where he faced assault charges.
Rocky portrays Yung Felon, a character in the crime drama who grapples with legal entanglements, a situation the artist noted mirrored his own circumstances during filming. He told a publication that embodying the character, who did not fully grasp the consequences of his actions, felt natural as he was acutely aware of real-life repercussions while the trial was ongoing.
Acting provided a welcomed distraction for Rocky during the legal proceedings stemming from a 2021 shooting incident. He described the craft as his sole escape during the intense period. He was found not guilty in February, a verdict that concluded the trial involving a former friend.
Following the acquittal, Rocky described feeling immense relief and gratitude. He expressed thanks to the jury, the judge for his respectful treatment, his legal team, family, and mother for their support. He also credited prayer and faith for the favorable outcome.
Working with Oscar-winning actor Denzel Washington was a particularly impactful experience for Rocky. He described it as a "dream come true," acknowledging the challenge of maintaining composure around an idol whose work he has long admired, citing films like "Juice" and "Malcolm X."
In "Highest 2 Lowest," Washington plays a music mogul whom Rocky's character, an aspiring rapper, aims to impress. While this crime drama offers a gritty look at reality, unlike the global escapades often depicted in films featuring a character like James Bond, Rocky found the process of bringing a different world to life through acting deeply engaging.
Beyond the new film, Rocky is focused on future projects, including a planned album titled "Don't Be Dumb." He also shared intentions to collaborate on a film project with his partner, singer Rihanna, with whom he shares two sons and is expecting a third child.
The film "Highest 2 Lowest" is set to debut in select theaters on August 22, followed by streaming on Apple TV+ two weeks later. Rocky indicated he prefers experiencing movies in theaters, viewing cinema as a portal to imagination and filmmakers as creators in their own right.
