Denzel Washington stopped by Good Morning America to talk about his new film Highest 2 Lowest. While he didn’t spend much time with co-star A$AP Rocky on set, Denzel called him talented and intelligent. Jeffrey Wright, who also stars in the movie, echoed the praise, saying Rocky brought energy and dynamism to his role.

Directed by Spike Lee and inspired by Akira Kurosawa’s High and Low, the story follows an aspiring rapper (Rocky) who kidnaps the son of Denzel’s character. Rocky described working with Denzel and Jeffrey as “a dream come true.”

At the film’s New York premiere, Rocky admitted he had to “keep it together” around Denzel, even though he was “fanning out” inside. He also revealed a fun personal detail: “My mother had a crush on Denzel before I existed.”