Throughout the years, Eminem has never shied away from giving props to the next generation of lyricists — and Kendrick Lamar is right at the top of that list. From interviews to lyrics, Em has repeatedly praised K. Dot for his skill, creativity, and influence in the rap game.
To celebrate Kendrick Lamar’s birthday, here are 13 moments when Eminem publicly showed love and respect to Compton’s finest.
1. “Berzerk” (2013)
Lyric: “So sick, I’m looking pale—wait, that’s my pigment. ‘Bout to go ham, ya bish, shout out to Kendrick.”
Eminem gives a direct shoutout to Kendrick in this energetic throwback-style track from The Marshall Mathers LP 2.
2. BET Interview (2013)
“I love what Kendrick is doing. He is continuing the tradition of making rap exciting. What he did with the ‘Control’ verse was incredible.”
3. New York Times Interview (2016)
“I love Kendrick Lamar. The way he puts albums together — front to back — they’re like pieces of art.”
4. KXNG Crooked Reveals Em Wanted Kendrick to Win Album of the Year (2016)
“He was like, ‘Yo man, I just really want Kendrick Lamar to get that Grammy.’”
5. Elton John Interviews Eminem (2017)
While discussing modern hip-hop, Em mentioned Kendrick among the few who inspire him.
Eminem shouts out Kendrick Lamar in a new interview with Elton John.
by inKendrickLamar
6. Eminem on Genius (2017)
Em once again listed Kendrick as one of the few current artists he keeps an eye on.
7. DIFFUS Interview (2018)
“I feel like artists like J. Cole and Kendrick Lamar… are definitely the students of the game… You cannot be as good as they are without studying the evolution of hip hop.”
8. “The Ringer” (2018)
Lyric: “If you ain’t Joyner, if you ain’t Kendrick or Cole or Sean, then you’re a goner.”
Eminem lists Kendrick among the few rappers who meet his lyrical standards.
9. “Fall” (2018)
Lyric: “Don’t tell me ’bout the culture! I inspired the Hopsins, the Logics, the Coles, the Seans, the K-Dots…”
Eminem includes Kendrick in a list of artists he helped inspire — putting K. Dot among hip-hop’s heavy hitters.
10. Interview with KXNG Crooked (2020)
“He’s such a chameleon of styles… a top-tier lyricist… you can get your ass kicked any day getting on a track with Kendrick.”
11. Interview with Sway on Shade 45 (2020)
“Kendrick and Cole… they’ve studied all the greats. You can tell — it goes into their pen.”
12. Big Sean’s “Friday Night Cypher” (2020)
Lyric: “Surprise like Kendrick Lamar, you need to walk the Yellow Brick Road…”
Another clever reference to K. Dot woven into Em’s complex verse.
13. Zane Lowe Interview (2021)
“I rap to be the best rapper. But I am not the only one. Wayne, Cole, Kendrick… they rap to be the best too.”
