Photo Courtesy of Billboard

Wrestler and actor Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson recently made his rap debut on Tech N9ne’s track “Face Off,” which also features Joey Cool and King Iso. Though this is not the first time Johnson has had a go at music, it is his premiere song outside of a film in which he raps. Johnson met Tech N9ne at the HBO comedy series “Ballers.” In an interview with Variety, he said, “When Tech texted me, I knew I would make this work. We’re just aligned in terms of our work ethic and desire.” This statement holds true to the message of the song, too.

Johnson’s self-written rap is featured at the end of the song, along with studio banter. Initially when Tech N9ne reached out, his intention for Johnson was not to have him rap but instead recite spoken words to end the song. Johnson opted for a verse of his own which only took one take. After recording, he sent the track to N9ne and his sound engineers, who were enthusiastic to say the least, with a text response, “F— yes!!!!” coming from the rapper.

With Johnson’s debut, many are wondering what his future as a rapper holds. Though he has no plans in the immediate future for music projects, he also tells Variety that “if the song is right and the collaboration feels real and authentic, I would love that.” He mentions his love of different genres of music and his willingness to try working with blues or country artists. 

The rap has received mixed reactions from listeners ranging from confusion to amusement. One Twitter user tweeted, “The Rock rapping is literal proof we [are] living in a simulation.” Others pointed out Johnson’s feature on Wyclef Jean’s 2000 single, “It Doesn’t Matter” in which Johnson yelled some of his famous catchphrases.

Tech N9ne has expressed his gratitude and excitement toward the collaboration, even joking about giving Johnson a start in the rap industry. He also explains that the track is meant to be a “hype song” designed to pump listeners up during workouts. Choosing Johnson for the song felt right for N9ne, who wanted a fighter featured on the single. Since the two were friends already, it was an easy decision. He tells Variety, “This is an energy song. 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.”

“Face Off” is the sixth track off of N9ne’s new album, “ASIN9NE” which released on Friday, Oct. 8. Currently the song has over two million plays on Spotify and over four million views on YouTube. Johnson also took to Twitter to celebrate the song hitting No. 2 on the iTunes charts in just 24 hours. “We’re really blown away.” He writes. “In 24hrs our new song #FACEOFF is #2 on the @iTunes rap charts!!! Just crazy.”