Eminem was officially inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame on Saturday, November 5, and he used his acceptance speech to show major love to the artists who shaped him.
The Detroit rap legend, now 50, gave a heartfelt and humorous speech after a powerful introduction by his longtime mentor and producer Dr. Dre.
“This is crazy,” Eminem said. “I wrote some stuff down because I’m never gonna remember all of this, but it’s from the heart.”
He thanked Dr. Dre for believing in him, even calling him the person who saved his life. Eminem also briefly talked about his 2007 overdose, jokingly warning his daughter Hailie Jade to cover her ears during that part.
Then came the moment that made hip-hop heads smile—Eminem began listing his musical influences, calling them his “teachers,” and named dozens of rap icons who inspired him. He shared:
“It takes a village to raise a child. For me, it took a whole genre and culture to raise me.”
Eminem then read a massive list of legendary hip-hop artists in alphabetical order, thanking each one for their impact. Here’s just a portion of the names he mentioned:
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2Pac, The Notorious B.I.G., Nas, LL Cool J, Run-D.M.C., Ice Cube, Ice-T, Public Enemy, Wu-Tang Clan, Beastie Boys, Queen Latifah, A Tribe Called Quest, Snoop Dogg, MC Lyte, Redman, Outkast, Gang Starr, EPMD, and so many more.
He admitted the list kept growing as he remembered more people. His goal wasn’t to talk about himself—but to shine a light on those who paved the way for him and others in hip-hop.
“I wouldn’t be here without them,” he said. “I’m a high school dropout with a hip-hop education, and these were my teachers.”
Eminem closed by urging the Hall of Fame to consider inducting the legendary rappers he mentioned, saying they all deserve recognition.
