Rhymefest claims Eminem used the N-word during a 90s rap battle

Rhymefest Says Eminem Used the N-Word in a 1998 Battle — But the Bar Was So Good, He Couldn’t Even Be Mad

Chicago rapper and activist Rhymefest recently made headlines after recounting a controversial moment from a 1998 rap battle with Eminem — a moment that, according to him, showed just how complex race, art, and lyricism can get in hip-hop.

Appearing on the It’s Just My Opinion podcast, Rhymefest said the two faced off at Scribble Jam, a legendary underground rap battle event held in Cincinnati, Ohio. Describing the event as “one of the biggest rap battles in the country,” he recalled the intense competition and high-profile talent that often came through.

But what stood out the most was a particular line Eminem allegedly dropped during their clash:
“I’ll let my razor split you ’til they have to staple stitch you / This n-gga took my facial tissue, turned it to a racial issue.”

Rhymefest admitted the use of the N-word caught him off guard — but surprisingly, not in the way people might expect.
“That was the first time a white guy ever called me a n-gga,” he said. “But you couldn’t even be mad! I realized something about racism that day — it’s why Family Guy works. It’s only good when it’s funny. It only is non-offensive when it’s dope. Had you said that shit and it not been dope, it would’ve been a problem. But you so cold and courageous that you did it and got away with it.”

He concluded the story by saying, “When I say I won that battle… he won the war.”

The moment has sparked plenty of conversation online about boundaries in battle rap and what happens when lines — both lyrical and social — are crossed. While there’s no footage of the 1998 battle to verify the line, the story adds another layer to Eminem’s complex legacy as a white rapper navigating a Black art form.

Meanwhile, Nelly Clears the Air with Eminem Over Past Misunderstanding

In a separate but equally revealing moment of reflection, Nelly recently offered a public apology to Eminem during an interview with Bootleg Kev. He admitted that, in the early 2000s, he misread a comment and assumed Eminem had dissed him — which led to some behind-the-scenes tension.

“I misinterpreted something when I was really, really new, and I want to apologize to Em,” Nelly said. “I was at a time where I’m coming in, I’m the new guy... anybody talking... we from the Lou. I thought he was saying something about what we were doing.”

Fortunately, the two cleared the air during a chance meeting in Detroit. According to Nelly, Eminem approached him at an afterparty and brought his daughter Hailie along, saying she was a fan.
“I felt like a dick, man,” Nelly admitted. “Because we were Eminem fans! It was just a miscommunication.”

Nelly closed out the story with genuine respect, calling Eminem “the G.O.A.T.” and “a dope cat.” He added, “It’s messed up when it’s someone you admire. Dude spits! I’m glad we squashed that.”

Both stories highlight the complicated — and often deeply human — dynamics behind hip-hop’s competitive bravado. Whether it’s a lyrical line crossing the line, or a beef born from misunderstanding, these moments show that even in rap, respect can still win in the end.

Source: Hiphopdx
Image: Eminem - Concert for Valor in Washington by DoD News features is a public domain

Rhymefest 2008 by Mike Barry is licensed under CC BY 2.0