Hip-hop heavyweights: Eminem honours all his rap influences

Hip-hop heavyweights: Eminem honours all his rap influences I would never be anywhere where I am today if it wasn't for them': Eminem says hip-hop heavyweights like Tupac Shakur inspired him.

by Naledi de Wee

15-09-2022 19:19

in Music

In a new interview, Eminem says hip-hop heavyweights like Tupac Shakur and the Notorious B.I.G inspired him. Image via Twitter @nfr_podcast

American rapper Eminem has cemented himself as one of the most talented hip-hop artists in the world. With tracks like Mockingbird, Not Afraid and Godzilla, the rapper is also one of the best-selling artists of all time.

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In an interview to celebrate XXL's 25th anniversary, Eminem said he would not be where he is today without legendary rappers like Redman and Kool G Rap. The 49-year-old rapper added that hip-hop heavyweights like Tupac Shakur and Notorious B.I.G influenced his sound.

ALSO READ: There will be carnage on Eminem's new track for Venom' sequel [listen]

WHO ARE EMINEM'S INFLUENCES? Over the years, Eminem has collaborated with hip-hop heavyweights like Dr Dre, Snoop Dogg, Jay-Z and 50 Cent. Speaking to XXL, the rapper said one of the greatest things that's happened to him over the last 25 years is meeting all his heroes. He added that it took a long time for him to get over meeting his close friend and collaborator, Dr Dre.

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And then getting to meet people like Treach, Redman, Kool G Rap, Big Daddy Kane, Masta Ace, Rakim. I wouldn't be here without all of them. That's where I got my whole inspiration from. Just studying them, he said.

Eminem added that hip-hop legends, D.O.C, Tupac Shakur and Notorious B.I.G were all his influences.

I would never be anywhere where I am today if it wasn't for them.

EMINEM IS KEEPING HIS EYE ON THE NEW SCHOOL In his lengthy interview, Eminem said he has achieved a lot in his career, but doesn't hyper-focus on the music charts. Instead, he focuses on a few rappers.

What I hyper-focus on is people like Kendrick, Joyner Lucas, J Cole and Big Sean and watching them how the f*ck they're doing their sh*t. Because they're also focused on being the best rappers.

Although he has been in hip-hop for more than two decades, the rapper said he wants to rap to a level that no one else can get to.

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ALSO READ: Who is SA's worst' rapper? Viral list sparks heated hip-hop debate

NEW MUSIC? The American rapper released Curtain Call 2 on 5 August, which served as his second greatest hits album. The 35-track album features tracks like Love The Way You Lie featuring Rihanna, Berzerk and his latest single, From The D 2 The LBC featuring Snoop Dogg.

LISTEN TO FROM THE D 2 THE LBC' HERE

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