When Bronx DJ Kool Herc invented Hip Hop back in the late 70s, he probably had no idea it would turn into such a cultural phenomenon in the United States and around the globe. And it’s also safe to assume that he probably didn’t expect Jeopardy host, Alex Trebek, to start spitting rap lyrics either–but strangely enough he did.

On Monday night, the 30-year host of the legendary game show rapped lyrics from groups like the Beastie Boys and Grandmaster Flash. He even found time to kick a little Notorious B.I.G when he rapped the song “Juicy.”

“I made the change from a common thief/To up close and personal with Robin Leach.” Trebek rapped. But for some reason he didn’t have the same smooth cadence that Biggie Smalls did, but it’s hard to figure out why. Then the 73-year old spit lyrics from the Beastie Boys’ song “No Sleep till Brooklyn,” from the group’s 1986 album “Licensed to Ill.”

Trebek’s rap performance was tied to a category of the show called “It’s a rap,” where he quoted a small section of a particular verse, and the contestants had to either figure out the rest it or guess who wrote it. However, it was hard to stump the contestants, as they seemed to answer the first few questions very easily, which shows that rap music these days may not be loved by everyone, but it certainly has penetrated pop culture to the point where you don’t have to be an expert to know a particular song.

Of course this isn’t the first time Jeopardy used Hip-Hop based questions in the show, and it’s not the first time Trebek has gone viral either. But it is the first time that he seemed very comfortable spitting rap tunes, which could make a person wonder if he’s been secretly practicing in his dressing room. I mean, it would make sense, wouldn’t it?

Image via Wikimedia Commons