Kendrick Lamar credited one Eminem album with changing his life that proves why the rap god’s legacy cannot be ignored.
Kendrick Lamar ranks among the most influential rappers ever, winning the Pulitzer Prize for Music in 2018. Lamar has delivered several hit songs and his influence on the hip-hop genre, especially in the modern era is undeniable. However, Lamar credited another rapper for his proficiency with penning hard-hitting lyrics.
In an interview, Lamar spoke about his writing process, crediting fellow rapper Eminem and his music for his proficiency. Lamar cited Eminem’s album The Marshall Mathers LP, calling it life-changing. Here is what Lamar had to say about Eminem’s music and its lasting impact that most new fans underestimate.
Kendrick Lamar Revealed How Eminem Impacted His Career
Kendrick Lamar gained recognition for his music during the 2010s becoming one of the most popular rappers. He has won 17 Grammy Awards, becoming the rapper with the third-most wins at the prestigious awards ceremony. He also became the first musician outside the classical and jazz genres to be honored with a Pulitzer Prize.
During an interview with Vanity Fair in 2018, Lamar opened up about his career, particularly his influences when it came to his skills as a wordsmith and proficiency in penning hard-hitting lyrics that have made him such a revered figure in the music industry.
It comes from my love of hip-hop. Eminem is probably one of the best wordsmiths ever. There’s a whole list of why, but just bending words. The Marshall Mathers LP changed my life.
Lamar stated the above, highlighting Eminem’s influence on his career, particularly his style of lyrics.
From Lamar’s words, it is evident that Eminem greatly impacted him, particularly through the game-changing and critically acclaimed 2000 album The Marshall Mathers LP, which established Eminem as one of the greatest rappers of all time.
The Marshall Mathers LP Proves New Fans Must Not Forget Eminem’s Legacy
Before Lamar revolutionized the hip-hop genre in the 2010s, Marshall Bruce Mathers III, aka Eminem proved to be a game changer during the 2000s. His third studio album, The Marshall Mathers LP greatly contributed to Eminem’s rise in the music industry and established himself as a leading artist.
The album was released in May 2000 and gained recognition for its blend of hardcore hip hop, satirical hip hop, and horrorcore. It was also criticized for some of its lyrics, which were deemed violent, homophobic, and misogynistic. However, the album emerged as a commercial success, selling more than 25 million copies worldwide.
The Marshall Mathers LP was nominated for three Grammy Awards in 2001, including Album of the Year, Best Rap Album, and Best Solo Rap Performance for the song The Real Slim Shady. Eminem won two Grammy Awards for the album, which set him up for unprecedented global commercial success. As a result, the album has remained a crucial part of the pop culture zeitgeist and Eminem’s legacy.
