Eminem has faced plenty of controversy over the years, but his latest critics come from an unexpected group—Generation Z. A group of younger social media users recently attempted to “cancel” the rapper over past lyrics, but Millennials weren’t having it.
The TikTok Controversy
The drama started in February when a Gen Z TikToker posted a video criticizing Eminem’s 2010 hit Love the Way You Lie, featuring Rihanna. They called out the lyrics:
“If she ever tries to f—king leave again, I’ma tie her to the bed and set this house on fire.”
The TikToker claimed the song glorified domestic violence, sparking outrage among Millennials who grew up on Eminem’s music.
@cassiebessette607 Answer @im_siowei the video that started it all…. 😬 #SnowballFightAgainstHunger #JBLGreekOut
Millennials Defend Slim Shady
In response, fans of the Detroit rapper flooded social media with videos defending him. One viral clip, which has over 5.6 million views, features an Eminem fan rapping over the beat of Forgot About Dre.
“Listen, little kiddies, lemme make this quite clear: This man was around before you were here,” the fan raps, also taking a shot at modern rappers who “mumble gibberish.”
The rap ends with a mic-drop moment:
“One day you’ll grow up and see how everyone went and forgot about Z.”
Another TikTok sketch humorously reenacts a conversation between a Millennial and a Gen Zer:
Gen Z: “We gotta cancel Eminem.”
Millennial: “Why?”
Gen Z: “Have you heard his lyrics?”
Millennial: “Heard ’em? I screamed them all through grade school.”
The skit perfectly captures how Millennials view Eminem’s music—as an angsty but harmless part of their youth.
Eminem’s Past Lyrics & Rihanna’s Support
Many fans argued that Love the Way You Lie is actually one of Eminem’s tamer songs, compared to earlier hits like Superman and Guilty Conscience, which contained even darker themes.
Moreover, Rihanna herself has previously stated that the lyrics were meant to condemn domestic violence, not promote it.
14 years ago, Eminem and Rihanna’s “Love The Way You Lie” came out
This is one of the best selling collaborations of all time pic.twitter.com/BFYsOLf68Q
— Rihanna Facts (@Nevernyny) June 22, 2024
Eminem Can’t Be Canceled
For now, it seems Slim Shady has dodged another cancellation attempt. As one Twitter user pointed out, even U.S. presidents have tried and failed to silence Eminem.
The rapper has yet to respond to the controversy, but history shows one thing: Eminem isn’t going anywhere.
