Nick Cannon Reflects on Decades-Long Public Feud With Rapper Eminem
Cannon explains his motivations for defending Mariah Carey against Eminem's persistent lyrical attacks.
1Origins of the Conflict
The long-standing tension between Nick Cannon and Eminem began in 2009. The conflict was ignited when Eminem released the track Bagpipes From Baghdad, which targeted Cannon and his then-wife, Mariah Carey. Cannon stated he felt compelled to defend Carey's dignity after Eminem disrespected her in his public music.
2Conflicting Relationship Narratives
Eminem has long claimed he was romantically involved with Mariah Carey for several months in the early 2000s. Carey has consistently denied these claims, even referencing the situation in her 2002 song Clown. Cannon believes Eminem maintained a professional relationship with Carey but falsely professed a personal romantic connection.
3Escalation and Public Responses
Following the 2009 diss, the feud escalated through various media channels. Carey released the single Obsessed, featuring a video character resembling Eminem, while Eminem responded with The Warning. Cannon initially replied via a blog post, criticizing the rapper for using vulgar language against women, which he viewed as unacceptable behavior.
4The 2019 Revival
After years of relative quiet, the beef reignited in 2019 following a verse by Eminem on Fat Joe’s song Lord Above. In response, Cannon released three consecutive diss tracks: The Invitation, Pray for Him, and Canceled: Invitation. These tracks attempted to address Eminem's past remarks and defend Cannon's personal standing.
5Cannon’s Energy Matching Philosophy
Cannon describes his approach to conflict as matching and overdoing the energy directed at him. He compares this to his high school experiences and the competitive nature of his show, Wild 'N Out. He maintains that he will continue to respond if Eminem chooses to keep bringing up the past.
6The 8 Mile Connection
During a game of Plead The Fifth, Mariah Carey addressed rumors that the feud started because Eminem approached her to play his mother in the film 8 Mile. Carey confirmed there is some truth to the claim, though she noted it is unclear who approached whom regarding the potential casting role.
7Professional Respect Remains
Despite the intense lyrical battles and public exchanges, Cannon has clarified his stance on Eminem's musical legacy. In interviews, he consistently acknowledges Eminem as an icon within the hip-hop industry. Cannon suggests that while he defends himself, he holds respect for the rapper's professional contributions to the music world.
8Current Status of Feud
The feud has largely remained dormant since the 2019 exchange of tracks. While Eminem did not respond to Cannon's 2019 diss tracks with new music, he provided a brief reply on X. Cannon continues to reflect on the situation as a necessary defense of his personal life and his former marriage.