Watch Star Wars Stars Riz Ahmed and Donald Glover Rap
In a video from 2012, and a nice coincidence, Donald Glover and Riz Ahmed, stars of the first two [...]
In a video from 2012, and a nice coincidence, Donald Glover and Riz Ahmed, stars of the first two Star Wars Story films, the new standalone series of movies in the Star Wars franchise, were in a booth together for BBC Radio 1's "Burban in the Booth." They weren't acting like they will for Lucasfilm, though, instead they were both showing off their other ridiculous skill, as both are also accomplished rappers.
The pair, going by Childish Gambino and Riz MC, rapped about being actors as well as musicians. Gambino (Glover) made a nerdy reference with a Power Rangers nod.
In 2012, Childish Gambino had released his debut album a few months before in 2011, "Camp." He was still on Community at the time, as well, a series he wound up leaving before its cancellation to pursue other acting and music opportunities. Riz MC meanwhile had recently starred (as Riz Ahmed) in Four Lions (which he references in his rap), an award winning farsical film about British jihadists. He wouldn't have his international breakout until 2014 in Nightcrawler, though.
Now, the pair are both starring in Star Wars movies. Ahmed appears in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, the first of its kind standalone film in the franchise as Imperial defector Bodhi Rook. The movie tells the story of the Rebel Alliance's first major victory against the Empire, and the Rebel Spies that stole the Death Star plans, of which Rook is a member. Glover, meanwhile, will star in Han Solo: A Star Wars Story (not final title), scheduled for a 2018 release. In that movie, Glover will play the young Lando Calrissian, a role originated by Billy Dee Williams in Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back. He'll star alongside Alden Ehrenreich playing the young Han Solo.
As Childish Gambino, he's recently released his fourth album, "Awaken, My Love!" The album uses a heavy 70s funk influence, and he sings on the majority of it rather than rapping. Glover can also be seen in Atlanta, the TV series he also created, writes, and occasionally directs that has been greenlit for a second season.
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Rogue One: A Star Wars Story hits theaters December 16, 2016.