DeepSummary
The episode features the Lonely Island members Andy Samberg, Akiva Schaffer, and Jorma Taccone, along with host Seth Meyers, discussing the creation of the digital short 'Natalie's Rap' featuring Natalie Portman. They go into detail about how Portman wanted to do a rap song, her surprising ability to spit filthy lyrics, and the process of writing and filming the short.
They also reminisce about the impact of 'Natalie's Rap' being one of their first major viral hits after 'Lazy Sunday,' and how it opened the door for more celebrities wanting to be part of their digital shorts. Anecdotes are shared about Portman's commitment to the character, Andy Samberg dressing as a Viking for no reason, and sketches that were cut for time.
The group analyzes the novelty of putting comedy sketches online at that time, the tension with NBC over viral videos affecting syndication deals, and the legacy of 'Natalie's Rap' as a seminal moment in mixing rap with celebrity guests on SNL.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- Natalie Portman's shocking ability to rap extremely explicit lyrics was the driving force behind the viral 'Natalie's Rap' digital short.
- The short represented an early intersection of rap music and celebrity cameos that became increasingly popular on SNL.
- 'Natalie's Rap' was one of the Lonely Island's first major viral hits after 'Lazy Sunday' and opened the door for more celebrity collaborations.
- Putting comedy sketches online in the mid-2000s caused tension with NBC over concerns about impacting syndication deals.
- The short exemplified the Lonely Island's brand of raunchy, surprising comedy that often subverted expectations.
- Andy Samberg's goofy decision to dress as a Viking for part of the rap illustrated the group's willingness to embrace bizarre humor.
- Small production details like hiding a child actor from explicit lyrics showed the elaborate process of creating the profane content.
- The enduring legacy of 'Natalie's Rap' sparked discussion about its seminal role in mixing celebrity personas with rap music on SNL.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “Ever since you got Covid put you on front street, the way your hair and face looks to me is when we were younger. Like, you look the way that we looked when we lived in LA before we got SNL.“ by Andy Samberg
- “It's like, what if contagion was a happy movie, you know? There's this virus, and it makes everyone look younger and do podcasts.“ by Andy Samberg
- “If you're just hosting, that should be a pretty memorable week.“ by Akiva Schaffer
- “I remember making sure the child left the room and not doing that line in front of the kid.“ by Akiva Schaffer
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Episode Information
The Lonely Island and Seth Meyers Podcast
The Lonely Island & Seth Meyers
5/6/24
The Lonely Island takes a look back at creating their digital short Natalie’s Rap with none other than Natalie Portman. Plus, Seth and the guys talk about sketches including smoke detector, the Toy Collector sketch that never aired, and more!
Natalie's Rap
(Not all the clips we mention are available online; some never even aired.) If you want to see more photos and clips follow us on Instagram @thelonelyislandpod.
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Produced by Rabbit Grin Productions
Executive Producers Jeph Porter and Rob Holysz
Lead Producer Kevin Miller
Creative Producer Samantha Skelton
Coordinating Producer Derek Johnson
Cover Art by Olney Atwell
Music by Greg Chun and Brent Asbury
Edit by Cheyenne Jones
Mix and Master by Jason Richards