Remember that time everyone thought Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson was going to run for president someday? Well, now that one of his raps has officially gone viral on TikTok, I’m even more confident in his potential to unite the masses. In The Rock’s “Face Off” TikTok trend, inspired by his rap debut on Tech N9ne’s latest album, creators are sharing moments where they need to get amped to accomplish something. According to Johnson, success is all about drive, power, staying hungry, and getting after what’s rightfully yours — and it’s clear TikTokers (hilariously) did not come to play.
In Johnson’s original video, which now has over 7.8 million likes on TikTok, he lip-syncs a verse from “Face Off,” the new Tech N9ne song featuring Joey Cool, King Iso, and of course, The Rock himself. In the verse, he sings: “It’s about drive, it’s about power / we stay hungry, we devour / put in the work, put in the hours / and take what’s ours.” How’s that for a presidential campaign slogan? Dwayne, you have my vote.
But in all seriousness, shortly after he posted it, Johnson’s rap instantly went viral and the sound has already been used in over 794,500 videos and counting. In the caption of the original video, Johnson says: “#FACEOFFCHALLENGE IS ON🔥🔥🔥 Show us what someone says, does, or encourages that sends you into OVERdrive👊🏾💪🏾 #faceoff.” Personally, I’m enjoying Johnson’s emoji game combined with his sleeveless gym hoodie that reads, “blood, sweat, respect.” Again, with the campaign slogans. Clearly, Dwayne is ready to go.
As with any viral trend, TikTokers are reacting to Mr. Johnson’s rap debut in a variety of fun ways. Some are purely shocked that The Rock can rap and others are instantly hitting up the gym to make hype videos of their own. Despite the song’s unironic intensity, there are many creators out there who understand the humor behind it all, like Julia (@juliathekindafunnyperson) who shows us how she gives it her all the minute her teacher announces it’s trivia day.
I don’t know what The Rock put into this trending sound, but clearly, TikTok is having a field day with it as creators show off their #beastmode style accomplishments. TikToker @plumsoju five animes in one week. When his girlfriend had nothing to wear, @joeando made her an entire wardrobe (um…sign me up). TikToker @savvyjaninee’s mom cleaned her entire apartment and Sasha is determined to sing on live TV despite having laryngitis. As someone who used to run cross country in high school, I particularly enjoy this video from @v.anna.h about supportive cross country parents and this one from @andiewex that perfectly captures the infamous duck who participated in yesterday’s New York City Marathon (“Goooo Duck!”).
To try the trend at home, simply use the trending audio and think of a time when you were ready to tackle something head-on, whether it’s cleaning your dorm or facing a big homework assignment. Then, record yourself in the scenario — whether real or hypothetical — and lip-sync to “Face Off” for bonus points. As Dwayne himself did in the original video, add the hashtag #FaceOff or #FaceOffChallenge to your caption to join the thousands of TikTokers who are also participating in the delightfully random, very Rock-esque trend.
At the end of the day, whether he’s running for president of the United States or starring in “Jungle Cruise,” if you mention Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson to me, there’s a strong chance I’ll be on board. He’s hilarious and amusing with an unmistakable brand that has somehow earned him a place in sports, Hollywood, entrepreneurship, and now, the rap world. Plus, I hear he’s a pretty nice guy. The next time you need a TikTok trend to hop on that’s easy, relatable, and wholesome, try the “Face Off” TikTok trend and make Dwayne proud.