Jeopardy! viewers were treated to Alex Trebek’s musical “talents” on Monday night’s episode.
Trebek is notorious for a slightly monotone reading of his questions, and his deadpan delivery was ever-present when delivering the questions of the “Let’s rap, kids!” category of Jeopardy! College Championship.
The combination of the Canadian host and rap made for a very entertaining cross: it is like listening to a Shakespearean actor reading rap music. It simply did not match.
To his credit, listeners will notice that at least Trebek tried to give some enthusiasm during some of the questions, especially when delivering a part of Kanye West’s song “Famous.”
For those who dreamed to hear a Drake and Trebek mash-up, your wish has been granted: the Canadian host paid a dry homage to the Canadian rapper’s hit “Started from the bottom.”
Trebek’s perfect enunciation also made for a hilarious variation to Lil Wayne’s “6 foot 7 foot,” during which the host completely disregarded the rapper’s original slant rhyme.
Trebek’s delivery on Kendrick Lamar’s “M.A.A.D. City” – the titular song off Lamar’s sophomore album, “Good kid, M.A.A.D. City” – actually had some rhythm to it, making it still recognizable.
However, the driest delivery has got to be Trebek’s rendition of Desiigner’s “Panda,” wherein Trebek just read panda aloud seven times.
But the ways of Canada are still strong in Trebek. Although he did not outright apologize, he was humble in his shortcomings.
“I was just getting into this rap thing. I’m not too good at, but I was getting into it!” said Trebek. And cut to commercials.
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