Authenticity is key in the world of rap. So, this is a story about how one of the most respected people in the industry, Eminem, put to the test Kendrick Lamar’s lyrical authenticity when they collaborated on “Love Game” for The Marshall Mathers LP 2 album.
Never forget that Eminem kicked everyone out of the studio during MMLP2 sessions to make sure Kendrick doesn’t have a ghostwriter. Kendrick did his verse for “Love Game” and Em gave him his props.🫡 PIC.TWITTER.COM/DIBU3X3FTV
— The Eminem Bible (@Shadyind) APRIL 30, 2024
Moreover, there is an interesting anecdote about how Eminem checked Kendrick’s lyrical abilities. When Kendrick wrote an impressive verse, Eminem conceded that Kendrick was the best. Ed Sheeran shared a story about how Eminem invited Kendrick to the studio to work on “Love Game.” Eminem told them he heard he was the best and wanted to check. However, he asked Kendrick to come alone without his friends. Eminem was curious to know if he had written a rapper, his raps, or if he had a ghostwriter. When Kendrick wrote an impressive verse, Eminem conceded that Kendrick was indeed the best.
Eminem’s respect for Kendrick’s talent as a lyricist is familiar to the audience. When they worked together on the song “Love Game” from the MMLP2 album, Eminem decided that he no longer just wanted Kendrick to do a hook but, instead, rap on one of his records. However, he said Kendrick clearly: “I thought he knew what he was supposed to do. He laid two hooks and said, ‘I don’t know what to do next.’ This happened towards the end of the drumming process.
Eminem’s subliminal strategy endorses his belief in holding lyrical authenticity and Kendrick Lamar’s success with respect. Furthermore, it offers a collaborative and competitive edge in rap. Above all, Eminem exemplifies his craftsman’s regard by assuring me that there is enough talent, not a ghostwriter. Thus, the incident doesn’t emphasize Eminem’s commitment to authenticity and shows Kendrick Lamar’s talent. Moreover, a significant issue related to hip-hop music stresses the requirement of separateness and creativity in music.
Eminem has rapped about Kendrick before this. He’d name-dropped Kendrick on some songs from his album “Kamikaze,” and he interpolated Kendrick’s hit songs “HUMBLE” and “DNA” on his own “Lucky You” and “Greatest” singles, respectively. Kendrick was also credited as a writer on the latter’s track.
Rumors of a new professional collaboration between Dr. Dre, Eminem, and Kendrick Lamar have been circulating, but no official certified theses exist. However, the degree of respect both performers have for each other’s style demonstrates that they both recognize their contributions to rap.
The Marshall Mathers LP 2 2013 album release date, inspiration, rating, and performance are available on all leading streaming services. This album vividly illustrates Eminem’s struggle for authenticity in the rap world, and the duet work of Eminem and Kendrick Lamar in Love Game confirms its supreme purpose.
