DJ Khaled is arguably one of the most connected names in music, having built chart-topping anthems with everyone from Jay-Z and Beyoncé to Kanye West, Rihanna, and Drake. But despite working with nearly every A-list artist in the game, there’s still one collaboration that has eluded him for over a decade: Eminem.
For more than 10 years, DJ Khaled has publicly expressed his desire to work with Slim Shady, but the collaboration remains the one that got away. From interviews to award shows to social media, Khaled has made no secret of his pursuit. Here’s a timeline of Khaled’s relentless mission to get an Eminem verse:
🔹 1. Rap-Up Interview (2017)
“I wanna work with Eminem… I’ve reached out to Eminem’s camp before but I didn’t really reach out with the record. I started conversations.”
Khaled explained he was waiting for the right record to present, even teasing a dream collab: “Eminem and Adele would be crazy.”
🔹 2. Hot 97 Interview (2011)
“I wanted Eminem on my album. I’m a fan of him but he doesn’t know me like that. I actually have a track ready, waiting.”
Even back in 2011, Khaled had a record “waiting” for Em. A whole decade later… it’s still waiting.
🔹 3. BET Awards Red Carpet (2017)
“I’m just looking for the right time and right record before I really step to him and present.”
The message is consistent: right time, right track, still no collab.
🔹 4. Larry King Interview (2014)
“I’ve been trying to collaborate with Eminem for a long time. Anybody out there can help me? I’m absolutely ready.”
Khaled even made an open call for help connecting with Eminem—on national TV.
🔹 5. Billboard Interview (2017)
“I wanna work with Dr. Dre. I wanna work with Eminem. I’ve been working hard to present him the anthem idea.”
He doubled down on wanting Em and Dre, working on an “anthem” specifically crafted to pitch them.
🔹 6. DJ Khaled on Instagram (2016)
“It’s official. I got my Eminem Jordans. I have not got a verse yet but I got my Eminem Jordans!”
The man even celebrated Eminem-themed sneakers… while still waiting on that verse.
🔹 7. Clip with Snoop Dogg (2016)
“I would love to work with Eminem… So Em, I’m still a big fan and I’m ready.”
Khaled called on Snoop to help bridge the connection. Still, no verse.
🔹 8. Billboard Interview (2018)
“I finally met Eminem the other day… I didn’t really get a chance to talk to him. I talked to him on camera… Hopefully, he’ll like to get on [the track].”
Khaled finally meets Eminem—but only briefly, on-camera, and not enough to seal the deal.
Despite countless public appeals, mutual respect, and being one of the most persistent collaborators in the business, the elusive DJ Khaled x Eminem track still hasn’t materialized. Whether it’s a matter of timing, creative direction, or simply Eminem being extremely selective—Khaled’s chase has become one of the most talked-about “almost-collabs” in hip-hop.
The fans? Still hoping.
Khaled? Still ready.
Eminem? Still silent.
Will it ever happen? Only time—and the right beat—will tell.
