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A song featuring LL Cool J and T.I. isn’t mind-blowing — even though the two have never collaborated before — but when you throw a Hollywood actor into the mix, heads are bound to turn.
That’s exactly what happened last night (June 8) at the 2014 Tony Awards, as the Golden-era spitter, the self-proclaimed King of the South and Hugh Jackman performed a hip-hop rendition of ‘Rock Island,’ from the Broadway musical ‘The Music Man.’
The actual track was produced by Questlove of the Roots. The trio served verses back and forth, rhyming a few bars each, in the spirit of Run-D.M.C.
Clearly, Jackman was obviously the one who stepped outside of his comfort zone, as he landed his words precisely and maintained perfect breath control during his rhymes.
The performance had everyone in the audience standing on their feet, and based on how smooth the three exchanged verses, it’s clear to see they put in a lot of rehearsal time.
Shortly after the number, folks took to Twitter and shared mixed reactions.
“This was the first time I’ve actually enjoyed The Music Man. Thanks LL Cool J and T.I.,” one person wrote. “LLCool J and T.I. are performing ‘Rock Island’ from ‘The Music Man,’ and I no longer want to be associated with theater. Like at all,” another wrote.
LL said he enjoyed the performance and was thrilled to be part a part of it. “First hip-hop performance on the Tony Awards with Troubleman31 and Hugh Jackman,” he tweeted.
