LOS ANGELES, CA – For Ab-Soul, the journey into hip-hop started with a name now etched in global rap history: Eminem.
In a recent appearance on Uproxx Sound Check, the Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE) rapper opened up about the early influences that shaped his musical path — and at the top of that list was Slim Shady.
“Eminem is the first CD that I bought,” Ab-Soul revealed. “It’s interesting because I grew up in a record shop. So I had everything, but my mama would always give me the clean version… I can’t remember if it was The Slim Shady LP or The Marshall Mathers LP, but I know it was Eminem. It was the first one I snuck in and bought.”
🏆 Eminem Beats Kendrick Lamar at the AMAs
Ironically, this touching tribute comes just days after Eminem pulled off a major surprise at the American Music Awards, beating Ab-Soul’s close friend and fellow TDE artist Kendrick Lamar in multiple major categories.
Eminem took home:
-
Favorite Hip Hop Artist
-
Favorite Hip Hop Album
Meanwhile, Kendrick — widely favored to win big — was shut out in most categories, earning only a single win for Favorite Hip Hop Song with “Not Like Us.”
Lamar, who was nominated in six categories, also lost out to Billie Eilish for Artist of the Year, Album of the Year, and Song of the Year. His collab with SZA was also defeated by Bruno Mars & Lady Gaga for Collaboration of the Year.
🔥 Fans & Celebs React
The results stirred plenty of debate online.
Popular streamer Kai Cenat, livestreaming from the AMA audience, reacted with surprise, saying:
“Let’s be real. I fuck with Slim Shady… but let’s be real though, gang.”
His reaction echoed many fans online who felt that Kendrick’s 2024 run, especially “Not Like Us”, deserved more recognition.
🎤 Kendrick’s Comeback at BET
But Kendrick didn’t stay silent for long.
At the BET Awards, he made a powerful return — winning:
-
Album of the Year
-
Best Hip Hop Artist
-
Video Director of the Year (with Dave Free)
-
Best Collaboration Video
In his acceptance speech, Kendrick reminded fans why he remains a pillar of hip-hop culture:
“I ain’t been here in a long time, but I always kept my heart BET. They put me in the midst of the cycle we represent — real, true, down-to-earth music people can feel.”