What do you get when you combine one of the greatest rappers of all time and one of Detroit’s most influential radio hosts? A video shoutout that makes the whole city go wild!
That happened when Eminem, the rap superstar and Detroit native, surprised Jonathan “Bushman” Dunnings, the host of “The Bushman Show” on iHeartMedia, with a video message to celebrate his 29th anniversary on the air.
The video, which Bushman shared on his social media accounts, shows Eminem in a casual tshirt and cap, looking into the camera and saying,
“Bushy, what’s up! Happy 29th anniversary, bro. That’s wild. I’m 29, too. Yo man, I just wanted to say congrats, bro. Happy anniversary, man. Salute.”
The video is short and sweet, but it packs a lot of meaning for both Eminem and Bushman, who have a long history of mutual respect and support.
<>.@EMINEM gives @BUSHMANONAIR his salute 🫡 in new video PIC.TWITTER.COM/2WWJNFWKP2
— EminemData (@EminemData) FEBRUARY 14, 2024
Bushman, a radio personality, actor, DJ, iHeart Radio influencer, and all-around entertainer, has been hosting “The Bushman Show” since 1995, making him one of the longest-running radio hosts in Detroit. He has interviewed countless celebrities, musicians, and politicians and has been a voice of the community for nearly three decades.
Bushman, who rose to fame in the late 90s with his groundbreaking albums and songs, has also been Eminem’s loyal fan and friend. Bushman was one of the first radio hosts to play Eminem’s music and expose him to the city. He even appeared in Eminem’s movie “8 Mile”, where he played himself as a radio host.
Bushman was touched by Eminem’s video message and responded with a heartfelt thank you. He also shared a story of how Eminem would be in the station lobby when he was coming to work and how he never changed, even after becoming a global icon.
“He would always be there, waiting for me, with his demo tape. He was so humble and hungry. He always showed me love and respect. And he still does. He never forgot where he came from. He never forgot me. He’s a real one. He’s family,”
Bushman said.
The video shoutout also sparked a lot of excitement and nostalgia among both Eminem and Bushman fans. Many fans admired the Detroit connection between these two legends and how they represent the city’s music scene and culture.
“Wow, this is so awesome. Eminem and Bushman are both legends. They put Detroit on the map. They inspire me so much. Respect to both of them,”
One fan wrote.
“This is what Detroit is all about. Two icons showing love to each other. They have been through so much together. They have made history. They have made us proud. This is beautiful,”
Another fan commented.
The video shoutout was a rare and memorable moment for Eminem and Bushman, who have been in the game for a long time and have seen it all. It was also a testament to their friendship, loyalty, and love for Detroit.
As Eminem said in his video, “Salute.”
