Source: Courtesy / Boardroom
Today (May 20th) on Boardroom, legendary director and writer Spike Lee sat for the latest Billboard Cover Story. n the exclusive interview, the proud New Yorker and cinephile discusses his relationship with Michael Jordan, his experience working with A24, his love for the New York Knicks, what makes going to the theaters so special, casting A$AP Rocky opposite Denzel Washington in his upcoming movie Highest 2 Lowest, and much more. Continue reading to check out the full conversation!
If thereâs one thing we know, itâs that Spike Lee is always tapped in. Like everyone else in the world, the legendary filmmaker was a huge fan of the movie that has taken the world by storm this year, Sinners. Speaking on it, the 69 year-old said, âI havenât seen a film like this in years. I was jumping up and down, like Iâm courtside at the garden and weâre kicking the Celticâs ass.â
Although show business is oftentimes competitive, Lee made it clear that 2025 is the year of Black cinema. âThis is the year of black cinema! There is such love that Denzel and I have for Ryan Coogler and Michael B Jordan.â said Lee. âItâs love and affirmation where you want people to be the best they can be. There ainât no competition. Thereâs room for everybody to thrive. For you to thrive doesnât mean youâre hating on anyone else.â
Speaking of Denzel Washington, Spike had high praises for his dear friend and frequent collaborator. As he discussed working with one of the greatest of all-time, he explained, âThereâs different levels of greatness. And anytime Denzel is in front of the camera, he is going to put the work in. Itâs a blessing that Denzel and I got to work together â the dynamic duo! D nâ Lee!â
The dynamic duoâs upcoming film (their fifth together) Highest 2 Lowest is scheduled to be released on August 22nd. Starring opposite of Washington is rapper A$AP Rocky. Spike Lee gave some insight on why he chose the Harlem native for the role. âDenzel is a beast. When you see a championship fight, you want to see someone who is going to test him. In a movie, if you had two characters go head to head, you gotta cast someone who is gonna hold his ground with Denzel. And ASAPâs from Harlem. They go toe to toe.â
As one of the biggest New York Knick fans known to man, Spike knows a little about going to to toe. When Rich Kleiman asked him if the the late â60s/early â70s era of the Knicks was his favorite, he gave a heartwarming response. âYes. And the late Dick Barnett just passed. I knew all these guys. The late great Willis Reed. I love these guys. Every time I see John Starks I hug him.â
The two-time Academy Award winner touched on these and so many other topics in the almost half hour interview. Check it out below, along with the official teaser for Highest 2 Lowest!
