Eminem had a massive 2024, dropping The Death of Slim Shady, an album hailed as one of his best in years, and racking up hit singles along the way. With Grammy season around the corner, it’s no surprise Slim is expected to rack up nominations in the rap categories. But if you ask him, there’s one name that will dominate the awards: Kendrick Lamar.
During a Christmas Eve radio interview, Eminem was quick to praise Lamar’s talent and confidently predicted a clean sweep for K. Dot at the 2025 Grammy Awards. “It’s very stiff competition,” Eminem admitted. “Kendrick’s gonna sweep that sh*t. He’s going to and he should.”
Eminem’s humility is nothing new, as the rap icon has long been vocal about respecting and learning from his peers. Over the last decade, artists like Lamar and J. Cole have pushed him to continuously evolve as an artist.
“My role in today’s hip hop is to always try to be the best rapper,” Eminem shared in a 2022 interview with XXL. “I can’t do that until I listen to… what the f*ck did Kendrick just put out?” He added that watching rappers like Kendrick, Joyner Lucas, J. Cole, and Big Sean inspires him to keep raising his game. “I hyper-focus on people like Kendrick… because they’re also focused on being the best rappers.”
The admiration is mutual. Kendrick Lamar has openly credited Eminem as a major influence on his lyrical style, with fans often comparing their artistry. This year, Lamar’s latest album GNX earned rave reviews, with standout tracks like “Reincarnated” drawing comparisons to Eminem’s signature style.
With GNX being a fan favorite and Kendrick’s consistent run as one of hip-hop’s elite, Eminem’s prediction for Grammy night feels more like a spoiler. Whether or not Lamar sweeps, the mutual respect between these two legends proves one thing: the bar for greatness in hip-hop has never been higher.
What do you think about Eminem’s Grammy prediction? Do you agree Kendrick Lamar deserves the top honors, or is there someone else you’re rooting for? Share your thoughts in the comments below!