Can you believe that it has been 22 years since Eminem and Benzino started beefing? 22 years! To put what I just said in perspective, Victor Wembanyama, the Spurs 7 feet 5 rookie, is 20. The reason the beef, which hit an apex with Eminem’s “Nail In The Coffin” single, allegedly started is because Benzino, who was in charge of The Source at the time, didn’t give The Eminem Show, Eminem’s fourth studio album, a perfect score in his magzine. The reason the beef has reignited is because Eminem took numerous shots at Benzino in a track on Lyrical Lemonade’s new album. Today, I got to hear ‘Zino’s latest response.
In “Rap Elvis (Eminem Diss Pt. 2),” Benzino calls out Eminem for appropriating black culture, for not supporting Detroit, which is where he is from, for “Stanning” over him, and for picking petty beefs to get involved in. He also speaks on his inability to retain talent as an executive and being someone who really isn’t from the hood.
So, I wouldn’t say that Benzino’s rap deliveries are great in this song (He sounds like he has a bunch of spit in his mouth), but I do think he accomplishes exactly what he wanted to accomplish: He spoke what he perceives to be damaging facts about Eminem. I do admit, some of the s**t he brings up are great points. I just don’t think they are strong enough to move the needle in any kind of way.
We don’t need these 50-year-olds beefing. But since they are, let me go ahead and get this popcorn popped.
Quincy is the creator of Ratings Game Music. He loves writing about music, taking long walks on beaches, and spaghetti that fights him back.
