Eminem has high praise for fellow rapper Kendrick Lamar and predicts that Lamar will dominate the rap category at the 2025 Grammy Awards. In a radio interview on Christmas Eve, Eminem reflected on his successful year, marking the release of The Death of Slim Shady, an album widely regarded as his best album in years. Despite the praise, Eminem believes Kendrick Lamar is poised to win in every rap category, calling it “tough competition.”
“Kendrick is going to wipe it out. He’s going to do it, and he should,” Eminem said, emphasizing Lamar’s unparalleled influence in hip-hop. Eminem is known for crediting artists who have inspired him to hone his art, citing Lamar, J. Cole, Joyner Lucas, and Big Sean as inspirations. “I pay a lot of attention to guys like Kendrick…to see how badly they do things,” he said.
The mutual admiration between Eminem and Lamar adds further depth to this perception. Lamar has often credited Eminem as a major influence on his lyrical style. Fans recently noticed similarities between the two on Lamar’s standout GNX song “Reincarnated,” where they felt Lamar channeled Eminem’s energy. “Eminem’s music has always been a blueprint for me to learn from,” Lamar once said, emphasizing their mutual respect.
Eminem’s humility in acknowledging Lamar’s artistry reflects his dedication to his art. He has always praised his peers for inspiring him, stating that they have been essential to his evolution as a rapper. As Grammy season approaches, all eyes are on Lamar’s GNX, an acclaimed album widely seen as a frontrunner.