*Brooklyn came alive as Spike Lee unveiled his latest film, Highest 2 Lowest, featuring a star-studded opening at theBrooklyn Academy of Musicin Fort Greene — the exact neighborhood that influenced his film style.
The crimson carpet and post-party featured an array of notable figures from the film and music industries:Denzel Washingtonand his stunning wife, married for 42 yearsPauletta, A$AP Rocky, Jeffrey Wright, Boris Kodjoe alongside Nicole Ari Parker, Chance the Rapper, Slick Rick, NBA champion Rick Fox, Key(about Key and Peele) and rising acting star popular rapperIce Spice,who is making her acting debut in the movie.
Radio/TV personality Jazmyn Summerswas there in order to get the tea.
At the premiere, Denzel revealed a significant line from his character: "You don't say no to God, you take it and make it work." While discussing his careful selection of roles, he confessed, "Lately... I don't have to [take on a project], but even more importantly, I don't want to."
This signifies the fifth time Spike Lee has worked with Denzel Washington—and their first in 19 years, afterInside ManIn 2006, at the Cannes Film Festival, Lee hinted that this might be their final film collaboration. However, during the premiere, he told Summers, "I'm taking that back," highlighting a relationship that remains unbreakable.
Spike also highlighted that collaborating with Denzel once more was seamless: "It's not as if we needed to reconnect. We never missed a beat."
Highest 2 Lowestis Lee's contemporary reinterpretation ofAkira Kurosawa’s 1963 thriller High and LowHowever, rather than focusing on the Japanese corporate environment, this adaptation dives into the intense world of New York City's music industry. Washington portrays David King, a renowned music executive whose life is disrupted when his driver's young son is mistakenly kidnapped. Confronted with a ransom request that compels him to decide between safeguarding his empire or making the ethical choice, King must face his own sense of right and wrong.
Featuring jazz-influenced rhythms, intense ethical conflicts, and rap showdowns that weave a narrative inside the main plot, this crime thriller is a nod to Kurosawa, a tribute to New York, and entirely Spike Lee's vision.
The movie will open in limited theaters on August 15 and become available on Apple TV starting September 5.
"This is fundamentally about ethics and the decisions individuals take," Lee mentioned to Jazmyn Summers from Radio One on the red carpet, highlighting the movie's central theme. "Not all money is good money," a statement made by Washington in the film, has already emerged as one of its most memorable lines — a clear reminder that every transaction comes with a price.
Lee revives the narrative within the music scene, infused with a unique New York rhythm. Spike Lee's portrayal of New York is evident—through framed Jalen Brunson jerseys, scenes set at Yankee Stadium, references to the Knicks, and a lighthearted "Boston sucks!" chant.
It's a tribute to New York—highlighting its culture, the city's toughness, its distinct mix of cultures, and its lively music ranging from the late Eddie Palmieri to A$AP Rocky.
Bringing new vitality to the group is Ice Spice, recognized for her popular songs, who appears on screen for the first time under Lee's guidance.
One of the most discussed moments is a rap battle taking place in a basement studio—Denzel creates lyrics on the spot, drawing from Nas, giving a strong, spontaneous performance, while A$AP Rocky faces him as his opponent.
It feels like a cinematic heavyweight bout—each punch landing one after another.
Spike Lee commended Rocky's acting skills, urging viewers not to "sleep on" him: Rocky "faced off" against Denzel and stood his ground. The two even engaged in a quick-paced chase and fight. Who triumphs in both confrontations? You'll have to watch the movie to discover.
A$AP Rocky stated he felt no anxiety about performing with Denzel—“I was meant for this.”
He calls it a dream realized, although he acknowledges it as difficult, considering his respect for Washington's career.
Music is a key element—Spike Lee selected the movie's soundtrack, including original songs by A$AP Rocky,Aiyana-Lee(who also stars in the movie), andJensen McRae. The title track of Aiyana-Lee offers a soulful, hopeful mood of perseverance, enhanced by a rich score fromHoward Drossinand an EP with a jazz influence byFergus McCreadie’sTrio Pithfork. The director also honored the lateEddie Palmieri, who is featured in the movie, paying tribute to his legacy in both music and culture.
Highest 2 LowestIt's a quintessential Spike Lee film—deeply rooted in culture, music, ethical depth, and bold filmmaking. It serves as both a return to form and an exciting adventure, a tribute and a new declaration. Featuring powerful performances by Denzel Washington and A$AP Rocky, and driven by the essence of New York, this movie is set to make a strong impact. It challenges you to reflect on your choices when all is at stake.
Article by Jazmyn Summers. You can listen to Jazmyn every morning on "Jazmyn in the Morning" on Sirius XM Channel 362.Grown Folk Jamz . Subscribe to Jazmyn Summers’ YouTube. Follow her on Facebook and Instagram.
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