TV Talk: The Good, Clean Fun of White Men Rapping

On the Wed., Sept. 29th episode of NBC's Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, the host and his guest Justin Timberlake (promoting his current film "The Social Network") proved that watching white men rap can bring great joy. In a medley titled "A History of Rap," former SNL co-stars (The Larry Gibbs Talk Show skit) busted out lyrics from iconic rap and hip-hop acts from the past 30 years. The duo paid tribute to artists like the Sugar Hill Gang, Beastie Boys, Notorious B.I.G., Snoop Dog, Kanye West, Eminem, Missy Elliot and Jay-Z.

What made the performance so fun was the easy charisma of both actors. Fallon has made a place for himself in the late night landscape as a personable and pleasant force--or what NPR calls a "good-natured, non-snarky, entirely joy-fueled entertainment — a niche that sorely needs filling." With frequent cameos and hosting gigs on SNL, Timberlake has also become an ambassador for simple, funny entertainment that isn't rude or nasty (well...minus a certain skit about "gift giving)". Who knew such good, clean fun could come from a rap medley?

To receive a musical lesson from professors Timberlake and Fallon, check out the video below.



To catch more of Fallon's easy-going, fun-loving antics, watch Late Night with Jimmy Fallon weeknights at 12:35 am E/11:35 pm C on NBC.

Sources:
MTV: Justin Timberlake and Jimmy Fallon School Us on History of Rap
NPR: Justin Timberlake and Jimmy Fallon are having more fun than you are
RollingStone: Timberlake, Fallon and the Roots present 'A History of Rap'