Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson has made his massive rap debut. This surprise comes as part of Tech N9ne’s new ripper, ‘Face Off’. Featuring lines from other rappers, Joey Cool and King Iso, Johnson’s first entry into rap is a brilliant one.
In a recent interview with Variety, Johnson explained that the track wasn’t even the first opportunity he’d received to work with a respected rapper. However, he has normally turned offers down due to artistic integrity, but this time, he decided to break the cycle and agree because he and N9ne are “aligned, just in terms of our work ethic and desire”.
He continued: “When Tech and I first met years ago on the set of (HBO series) Ballers, we were talking about this idea about being the hardest worker in the room. He said something that I really appreciated: basically, ‘There could never be enough food in this room or on this set that could make me full because I always want to be hungry.’ I just love that.”
N9ne told Variety that ‘Face Off’ was written specifically with fighters in mind, describing it as an “energy song” and reflecting: “This is going to get people pumped up to lift weights, pumped up for fights, pumped up for the game. Period. And what better person? Not Conor McGregor. I don’t know him. I know The Rock.”
Before fans get excited, this seems like a one-off for Johnson, whose day job is that of an actor and businessman. He told the publication: “I never had the ambition to be a hip hop artist or a rapper, so the direct answer is no. But I did see an opportunity here to create a song that really inspired and motivated me to push for more and fight for more. I’ve always loved music. I love hip hop and blues and outlaw country music.”
He did, however, note that he would be open to another collaboration one day, stating: “If the song is right and if the collaboration feels real and authentic, I would love that.”
This has been a busy time for Johnson. Earlier this year, he confirmed he had departed from the Fast & Furious film franchise and recently appeared alongside Emily Blunt in Jungle Cruise.
Alongside this brief foray into rap, he has also claimed that he would consider a future presidential run, but only if it was “what the people wanted”. In April, it was staggeringly reported that 46 per cent of Americans would consider voting for him come to the next election.
Listen to ‘Face Off’ below.
