Inside Eminem and Machine Gun Kelly’s Beef
Eminem and Machine Gun Kelly (MGK) have been embroiled in one of hip-hop’s most high-profile feuds, a clash that has spanned years and resulted in some of the most talked-about diss tracks in recent history. What started as a seemingly minor issue eventually escalated into a full-fledged lyrical war, drawing attention from fans and industry peers alike.
The Origins of the Feud
The origins of the Eminem-MGK beef can be traced back to 2012, when Machine Gun Kelly made a controversial comment about Eminem’s daughter, Hailie Jade. In a tweet, MGK called Hailie “hot as f*ck,” despite her being underage at the time. Though MGK later insisted he meant no harm, the comment did not sit well with Eminem. Reports suggest that Eminem quietly blacklisted MGK from appearing on major platforms associated with him, though this claim has been debated.
The War of Words Begins
Years later, in 2018, the tension boiled over when Eminem released Kamikaze, a surprise album packed with shots at multiple rappers, including MGK. On the song “Not Alike,” Eminem took aim at MGK, referencing his 2012 tweet and accusing him of trying to gain clout off his name.
MGK wasted no time responding. He fired back with “Rap Devil,” a blistering diss track that mocked Eminem’s age, relevance, and even his beard. The song quickly went viral, drawing praise from many who believed MGK had effectively challenged the rap legend.
Eminem, never one to back down from a lyrical fight, responded days later with “Killshot.” The track dismantled MGK’s arguments, poked fun at his career, and questioned his credibility as a rapper. “Killshot” became one of the most-viewed hip-hop videos on YouTube at the time, further fueling the drama.
Aftermath and Fallout
Following the intense back-and-forth, MGK appeared to pivot away from rap, embracing a new pop-punk musical style. His 2020 album Tickets to My Downfall showcased a rock-influenced sound, marking a departure from his rap roots. Many speculated that his battle with Eminem influenced this shift, though MGK has denied that the beef forced him out of rap.
Eminem, meanwhile, continued his dominance in the rap game, addressing the feud occasionally but largely moving past it. He referenced MGK in later songs, including “Unaccommodating” from his 2020 album Music to Be Murdered By, but did not engage in another direct exchange.
The Legacy of the Feud
The Eminem-MGK beef remains one of the most notable rap feuds of the modern era. While it may not have reached the level of historic battles like Tupac vs. Biggie or Nas vs. Jay-Z, it provided fans with memorable diss tracks and solidified Eminem’s reputation as one of hip-hop’s fiercest battle rappers. Meanwhile, MGK used the moment as a launching pad for his transition into rock, proving that even beef with a rap legend can be a turning point in an artist’s career.
Though the conflict has largely died down, fans continue to revisit the diss tracks, debating who won the war of words. One thing is for certain—when Eminem and Machine Gun Kelly collided, hip-hop took notice.
