Esham Claims He’s the Only Rapper to Ever Overpower Eminem, Drops Bombshell Confession About Never Watching 8 Mile!

In a revelation that has stunned the hip-hop community, Detroit legend Esham has come forward with a claim that’s guaranteed to spark debate: he says he’s the only rapper to ever overpower Eminem. And if that wasn’t enough, Esham casually dropped a confession that no one saw coming — he’s never even watched Eminem’s iconic film 8 Mile.

The Shocking Statement

During a candid sit-down interview, Esham — often hailed as one of the pioneers of Detroit’s underground rap scene — spoke openly about his history with Eminem. With his trademark bluntness, he declared:

“People don’t know the real history. Everybody respects Eminem, sure. But overpowering him? I’ve done that. He knows it. Detroit knows it. The rest of the world just hasn’t caught up.”

It’s a claim that immediately sent shockwaves through social media, with fans flooding timelines to debate whether Esham’s words carry weight — or if they’re just designed to stir the pot.

Detroit Rivalry Reignited

For decades, Detroit rap has been shaped by gritty competition, and Esham was already a local legend long before Eminem became a global superstar. While the mainstream often overlooks his influence, many in Detroit’s underground scene consider him the godfather of the city’s darkest rap style.

His latest comments reignite the long-simmering rivalry, one that traces back to early clashes over respect, credit, and authenticity. Fans are asking: was Eminem really the king of Detroit — or did he build his empire on a foundation already laid by Esham and others?

The 8 Mile Confession

When pressed about Eminem’s 2002 semi-autobiographical film 8 Mile, Esham dropped another bombshell.

“I never watched it. Why would I? That’s his story, not mine. I lived the real thing. I don’t need Hollywood to show me what Detroit rap battles looked like.”

The revelation stunned interviewers and fans alike, with many pointing out how 8 Mile shaped global perceptions of Detroit hip-hop — even though, according to Esham, the film wasn’t the full story.

Fans React

Twitter (X) exploded within minutes of the interview’s release:

“Esham saying he never watched 8 Mile is the most Detroit thing I’ve ever heard.”

“Respect to Esham, but overpower Eminem? That’s a wild claim.”

“People forget who opened the doors in Detroit before Eminem. Esham has a point.”

The conversation quickly turned into a culture war: die-hard Eminem fans dismissing Esham’s claims versus underground purists who believe his contributions have been criminally underrated.

The Bigger Picture

Esham’s comments raise bigger questions about legacy, influence, and recognition in hip-hop. Did Eminem’s rise overshadow the very artists who made his path possible? Or is Esham overstating his own place in history to reinsert himself into the conversation?

One thing’s certain: with just a few words, Esham has reignited one of rap’s most controversial debates. And judging by the reactions, this battle between the mainstream and the underground is far from over.