Rhymefest recently claimed that Eminem used the n-word against him during a rap battle in the late 1990s.
However, new evidence has surfaced that challenges this version of events.
According to AllHipHop, which received full video footage of the battle from D12 member Kuniva, Eminem never used the racial slur at any point during the performance. The video confirms that Rhymefest had misremembered what was actually said.
The Chicago rapper had recalled that Eminem rapped: “I’ll let my razor split you ’til they have to staple stitch you / This n-gga took my facial tissue, turned it to a racial issue.”
But the footage instead reveals Eminem saying: “I’ll let my razor split you ’til they have to staple stitch you / And everybody in this fucking place will miss you / If you try to turn my facial issue into a racial issue.”
Rhymefest has not yet responded to the new evidence, and Eminem has not addressed the original accusation publicly.
On the It’s Just My Opinion podcast, Rhymefest gave his version of the 1998 Scribble Jam battle:
“I battled Eminem in ’98 at this competition called Scribble Jam in Cincinnati,” he said. “It was the biggest battle in the Midwest and one of the biggest rap battles in the country. And a lot of famous rappers, DJs and breakdancers came out of Scribble Jam.”
He added: “I battled Eminem and that was the first time a white guy ever called me a n-gga. I realized something about racism that day – it’s why Family Guy works.”
Fest continued: “It’s only good when it’s funny. It only is non-offensive when it’s dope. Had you said that shit and it not been dope, it would’ve been a problem. But you so cold and courageous that you did it and got away with it. But when I say I won that battle…he won the war!”
Eminem’s most iconic battle is likely the fictional one in his 2002 film 8 Mile. Actor Anthony Mackie recently claimed that Eminem was directing his lyrics at him during that scene after discovering Mackie’s privileged upbringing.
