In a recent social media spat, Royce Da 5’9 has come to the defense of his longtime collaborator Eminem after Lil Pump made disparaging remarks about the rap icon. The conflict erupted on Christmas Eve when Lil Pump, known for his provocative style, took to Instagram to mock Eminem, referring to him as a “harmless creature.”
Royce Da 5’9, who has been a close associate of Eminem since they formed their duo Bad Meets Evil in 1997, did not take kindly to Pump’s comments. Following the incident, Royce issued a stern warning to the young rapper via Instagram, urging him to “watch his mouth.” This statement underscores the loyalty and camaraderie that exists between Royce and Eminem, particularly in the face of criticism from newer artists.
The backdrop of this feud is significant, especially considering Eminem’s recent album release, “Music to Be Murdered By – Side B,” which dropped just a week prior to the exchange. Eminem, a veteran of the hip-hop scene with over 100 million albums sold throughout his career, seemingly remains unfazed by the jabs thrown by Lil Pump, who is often categorized within the mumble rap genre.
While Lil Pump has amassed a notable following, with approximately 16 million Instagram followers, he still pales in comparison to Eminem’s impressive 31 million. Additionally, Pump’s struggles to gain traction on platforms like Twitter, where he has just 1 million followers, further highlight the disparity between the two artists.
In a previous instance on the 2018 track “The Ringer” from Eminem’s album “Kamikaze,” the Detroit rapper took a shot at the mumble rap style that Pump epitomizes, effectively dismissing it as lacking substance. This ongoing rivalry between the generations of hip-hop artists illustrates a broader conversation about the evolution of rap and the differing styles that exist within the genre.
As the dust settles from this latest exchange, it remains to be seen whether Lil Pump will respond further or if Royce’s comments will serve as a deterrent for future provocations. What is clear is that Royce Da 5’9 stands firmly by Eminem, ready to defend his legacy against any detractors in the ever-changing landscape of hip-hop.
With the rap industry continuously evolving, this incident serves as a reminder of the loyalty that exists among artists and the passionate defenses they offer when it comes to their peers and mentors. As fans await the next move in this unfolding drama, it illustrates the enduring significance of respect and legacy in the world of music.