Hip-hop legends Eminem and KRS-One come from different eras, but both have left an undeniable mark on the culture. While Eminem (Marshall Mathers) rose to fame in the early 2000s, KRS-One (Lawrence Parker) made his name in the 1980s. In 2009, during a rough period in Eminem’s career, KRS-One offered some advice on how the Detroit rapper could revive his creative spark.
Eminem’s Struggles in the Late 2000s
By 2009, Eminem was battling personal and professional struggles. His drug addiction to prescription pills like Vicodin, Valium, and Xanax had taken a toll on him. Between 2006 and 2009, his music wasn’t living up to the high standards set by his earlier work. Meanwhile, hip-hop was evolving, with artists like Lil Wayne and Nicki Minaj rising in popularity.
Despite this, in 2008, VIBE magazine named Eminem the ‘Best Rapper Alive’ in a fan poll. However, KRS-One was skeptical of the title and the magazine’s credibility.
KRS-One Questions Eminem’s ‘Best Rapper Alive’ Title
Speaking with KayvonTV.com, KRS-One dismissed the idea that VIBE had the authority to determine the greatest rapper. He said:
“If VIBE magazine feels that Eminem is the best thing since sliced bread—sliced white bread—if they say he’s the greatest thing, that’s their opinion. Now the real question is, does Eminem think that?”
KRS-One believed Eminem himself wouldn’t even agree with the title, adding:
“Now Eminem, if you ask him, he’ll be like, ‘Man, that’s some bullshit they just put together.’ VIBE magazine isn’t the authority to say who’s anything in hip-hop.”
KRS-One’s Advice to Eminem
Rather than chasing titles, KRS-One urged Eminem to focus on his craft, saying:
“Eminem, if you listening to me right now, dog, don’t live up to none of that hype, just do you. Focus on your rhyme-writing. Focus on your lyric delivery. That’s it. Nothing else matters.”
Interestingly, KRS-One even suggested that Eminem embrace Auto-Tune to stay relevant, stating:
“Understand that gangstas don’t care about principles. Gangstas aren’t into art… So now grab the Auto-Tune and get it popping.”
Eminem’s Comeback
Eminem didn’t take the Auto-Tune route, but he did take KRS-One’s advice about focusing on lyricism. In 2009, he dropped Relapse, and in 2010, he made a massive comeback with Recovery, featuring hits like “Not Afraid” and “Love the Way You Lie”. Since then, he has continued to evolve while staying true to his lyrical roots.
KRS-One’s advice may not have directly shaped Eminem’s return, but it’s clear that staying focused on his artistry was the key to regaining his dominance in hip-hop.
