Helen Mirren and James Corden actually had a rap battle

Late night TV loves rap battles and lip-sync battles. They're divisive but have a huge following.

Switch on Jimmy Fallon's show and you'll find a celebrity lip-syncing to something while also plugging a new book or movie.

People go wild for it.

There are also critics of the format, such as Bo Burnham:

However, let's put all of this to one side for one second, because you must readdress your view of rap battles when national treasure Helen Mirren takes part.

She went on The Late Late Show and battled host James Corden. Crucially, this contains verses that the competitors must deliver themselves.

So that's something.

Helen Mirren started off strong, entering the room literally dressed as a queen.

She then laid down an array of serious disses (including calling the segment "the only bit you didn't find in Jimmy Fallon's trash.")

Here's a brief list of what Dame Helen Mirren put out there:

I'm the one you should fear wherever I go, if I'm a pain in your ass that leaves a lot of room to grow.

He's obsessed with my exes, sorry James I'm not single, but you know I taught your little mister to tingle.

I've played the queen, but also warriors and witches, crime lords and wizards, bosses and bitches. Detectives and whores, from Altman to Shakespeare, the only role you ever played is 'Guy who begged to be here'.

Compare me to Meryl, Judi, Maggie, but why? They're not my competition, they're my ride or die.

See women are a force to be reckoned with, and I reckon I wrecked you, you've been to HELEN back, b****.

You can watch the full clip below:

HT BuzzFeed

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