Drake Gave Eminem The Ultimate Praise Before Their Legendary “Forever” Performance In Detroit

On August 16, 2016, hip-hop fans witnessed one of the most unforgettable moments in rap history. During his concert at the Joe Louis Arena in Detroit, Drake shocked the audience by bringing out none other than Eminem—a hometown hero and one of the most influential rappers of all time.

As soon as Eminem stepped onto the stage, the crowd erupted in deafening cheers. Even Drake himself seemed caught off guard by the sheer energy of the moment. Before launching into their performance, Drake took a second to acknowledge Eminem’s impact, calling him “the greatest rapper to ever get on the microphone.” It was a powerful moment of respect between two rap titans.

Then, as the opening beat of “Forever” dropped, the entire arena went wild. The track, originally released in 2009, featured an all-star lineup of Drake, Kanye West, Lil Wayne, and Eminem, and remains one of the most iconic rap collaborations of the 21st century. However, this live performance was special—Drake and Eminem, two generational talents, side by side, delivering high-energy verses with electrifying stage presence.

The performance quickly went viral, racking up millions of views online. Clips of the moment flooded social media, with fans praising both artists for creating an unforgettable experience. For Eminem, it was a triumphant return to his home city, while for Drake, it was a moment of ultimate validation—sharing the stage with a legend he had long admired.

Even years later, Drake & Eminem’s “Forever” performance in Detroit remains one of the most talked-about live rap moments ever.