While show tunes are typically more up Darren Criss‘ alley, the Glee alumnus took a whack at his rapping skills with a competitor half his age: Stranger Things star Gaten Matarazzo. The pair exchanged fiery verses against each other on Sunday’s (May 13) episode of Drop the Mic.
“A kid from Stranger Things rapping, hey, that’s something new, or should we just get Millie Bobby Brown in here for you?” Criss began the battle, likely referencing Matarazzo’s co-star famously nailing a rendition of Nicki Minaj‘s verse in Kanye West‘s “Monster.”
The 15-year-old quipped back: “I grew up watching Glee, and it wasn’t good, so this is revenge for ruining my childhood.”
Matarazzo also proved he did his research regarding his rapping rival’s rise to fame, pointing out Criss’ portrayal of the title character in his original production, A Very Potter Musical, which went viral in 2009. The teen gave a self-deprecating roast by proclaiming, “I’m a nerd, but that’s the nerdiest shit I’ve ever heard.”
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However, Criss also had his two cents to contribute on Matarazzo’s Stranger Things performance: “I love all the ’80s references that your show did. I can’t believe they found a real-life Cabbage Patch Kid.”
Despite the jaw-dropping disses, the two actors were clearly good sports during the battle. The trophy ultimately was given to Matarazzo, but Criss didn’t seem to mind — especially considering his most audience-rousing line was, “I hope you drop the mic, because you barely dropped your balls.”
Drop the Mic airs Sundays at 10:30 p.m. ET on TBS. Watch Matarazzo and Criss give it their best shot below.