Music

Denzel Washington Calls Himself a 'Fan of Music,' Shouts Out Smino, Samara Cyn

The two-time Academy Award winner mentioned their collaboration "Brand New Teeth."

(L) Denzel Washington attends "Highest 2 Lowest" New York Premiere at Brooklyn Academy of Music on August 11, 2025 in New York City. (Center) Smino attends YouTube Music Leaders and Legends at Nya Studios on June 27, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (R) Samara Cyn at Rolling Stone Future of Music showcase during SXSW Conference & Festivals at Austin City Limits Live at the Moody Theater on March 14, 2025 in Austin, Texas.
Images via Johnny Nunez/FilmMagic, Arnold Turner/Getty Images for YouTube, and Amy E. Price/SXSW Conference & Festivals via Getty Images

Denzel Washington keeps up with contemporary rap more than the average listener.

The actor co-stars in new action-drama Highest 2 Lowest with ASAP Rocky and Ice Spice, listens to current Memphis rappers like Moneybagg Yo, and knows an underrated Smino and Samara Cyn collaboration.

The two-time Academy Award winner was a guest on the Tuesday (Aug. 12) episode of Good Morning America and, around the four-minute mark of the video below, was asked about his "amazing rap repertoire."

Smino caught wind of the actor's comment and responded on social media with a meme of Denzel.

On podcast The Run-Through with Vogue, Rocky revealed that Washington keeps up with new music by Pooh Shiesty and NLE Choppa along with Moneybagg.

Washington replied by calling himself a "big fan of music" and name-dropped Smino and Samara's song "Brand New Teeth."

"That's what I'm on now," the legendary actor said.

But while he's an avid listener, Washington said he didn't have a specific playlist to gear up David King in Highest 2 Lowest, calling himself "analog."

"I don't have playlist. I don't even know how to do that to be honest with you," Washington told Good Morning America co-host Michael Strahan. "But there was a lot of music that that lent itself to this story, and it's music I listen to anyway."

While Washington was on the Highest 2 Lowest press circuit this summer, Smino and Cyn hit the road for their Kountry Kousins Tour.

ComplexCon returns to Las Vegas on October 25–26, 2025, with over 300 brands and live performances by Young Thug, YEAT & Friends, Peso Pluma, Central Cee, Ken Carson, and more. Get your tickets now.

Related Stories

A group of men in suits and ties are engaged in a lively conversation, surrounded by photographers. The scene appears to be at a formal event.
pop-culture

Denzel Washington Clashes With Photographer at Cannes Red Carpet

The Oscar winner lost his cool after being grabbed by a photographer at the premiere of "Highest 2 Lowest."

Alex Ocho351 days ago
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 23: Denzel Washington attends the opening night celebration of "Othello" at Tavern on the Green on March 23, 2025 in New York City.
pop-culture

Denzel Washington Recalls Crying 'a Little Bit' After Watching 'Black Panther'

Washington said he was proud after watching the 2018 Marvel flick.

Denzel Washington
pop-culture

Denzel Washington Isn't Mad About 'Gladiators II' Oscars Snub

“Are you kidding me? Awww. Oh, I’m so upset," Washington joked about the snub.

Trey Alston450 days ago

Stay ahead on Exclusives

Download the Complex App