It’s been over two decades, but the Mariah Carey and Eminem drama continues to pop up in unexpected ways. Whether it’s shady lyrics, hilarious music videos, or confusing romance rumors, the two icons just can’t seem to escape each other in the headlines.
That’s why I had to cover this. During a new interview, Mariah Carey addressed that long-standing feud with Eminem, and even commented on the bizarre rumor that it all started over a rejected movie role in 8 Mile. If you’ve ever been curious about how the rap beef between these two music legends started, you’re not alone.
Mariah didn’t hold back much. In her signature cool and unbothered style, she cleared the air during a game of “Plead the Fifth” on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen. And if you thought she was still holding a grudge? Think again.
Mariah Carey addresses the 8 Mile casting rumor
Host Andy Cohen brought up a recent rumor that resurfaced over the summer. Music producer Damion “Damizza” Young claimed on the TFU Podcast that Eminem originally wanted Mariah to play his mother in the 2002 film 8 Mile. The catch? Eminem is only four years younger than Mariah, making the casting idea a little odd.
Carey said, "“From what I heard, there is truth to that... But I don’t think that he actually… well, who knows who approached who.”
When pressed on whether that situation sparked their infamous beef, Mariah kept it vague, “Um, no. I mean, maybe. It depends what he’s thinking. I really don’t care. Like, whatever he’s said, then I’m that, fine. Not really. But that’s a rap lyric.”
The role eventually went to Kim Basinger, and Mariah apparently turned it down, possibly for obvious reasons.
Romance rumors and Rap diss tracks
Over the years, Eminem has repeatedly claimed that he and Mariah were romantically involved. He hinted at their alleged relationship on tracks like “Superman” and “When the Music Stops” from his 2002 album The Eminem Show, adding fuel to the public drama.
Mariah has consistently shut down those claims. In a 2002 interview with Larry King, she stated, “We probably hung out a total of four times. And I don’t consider that dating somebody.”
Then in 2009, she dropped “Obsessed,” which many fans believe was a direct shot at Eminem. The music video features Mariah dressed as a male stalker, clearly a not-so-subtle jab.
Still unbothered after all these years
Despite the years of headlines, diss tracks, and rumors, Mariah Carey seems completely over it all. Her attitude toward the drama remains what it has always been: cool, collected, and effortlessly iconic.
While the rap and hip hop world thrives on lyrical rivalries and big personalities, Mariah is clearly done playing the game. And as far as she's concerned, this beef may not even count as a real one.
So, is it officially time to bury the hatchet? Probably not, but one thing’s for sure: Mariah’s not losing sleep over it.