Kendrick Lamar admits his rap skills are Eminem imitations

The world of hip-hop is built on inspiration, competition, and respect. Many legendary artists have influenced the next generation, shaping the evolution of rap music. One of the greatest acknowledgments of this comes from Kendrick Lamar, one of the most critically acclaimed rappers of all time, who credits Eminem as a major influence on his early rap style.

Kendrick Lamar, known for his intricate lyricism, impeccable storytelling, and powerful delivery, has frequently expressed admiration for Eminem, even calling him the Greatest of All Time (GOAT). In a recent statement, Lamar reflected on how Eminem’s music shaped his approach to rap.

Kendrick Lamar on Eminem: A Defining Influence

Kendrick Lamar openly admitted that he learned how to rap by listening to Eminem when he was young. For many hip-hop fans, Eminem’s albums—especially The Marshall Mathers LP—were a masterclass in rap technique, and Lamar was no exception.

“I got my clarity by listening to Eminem when I was a kid. The day I heard Eminem’s album The Marshall Mathers LP, I was amazed, and I thought, ‘How does he do that? How is he projecting his voice and rapping to the beat like that?'”

This moment was a turning point for Lamar, who was inspired to study Eminem’s flow, delivery, and rhyme schemes in depth.

Learning the Craft from Eminem

Many young rappers spend years developing their style, but Kendrick Lamar’s intense study of Eminem’s craft accelerated his growth. By the time he was just 13 or 14 years old, Lamar was already rapping with a level of technical skill far beyond his years.

“I got to study his style of rap. I wanted to rap like him because it was his time, and he’s impeccable. His type of rap skills were things I had to learn, and luckily, I learned them.”

This admiration didn’t just stop at imitation. Kendrick took Eminem’s rapid-fire flows, complex rhyme structures, and storytelling abilities and made them his own, blending them with his unique West Coast style to create the signature sound that has made him a household name.

Eminem’s Impact on the Hip-Hop Community

Despite Eminem’s undeniable influence and commercial success, some critics have suggested that his music is not frequently played in clubs or on the streets. Lamar addressed this perception, pointing out that while Eminem’s songs may not always dominate party playlists, his work is intensely studied by artists behind closed doors.

“Many people say nobody bumps Eminem at the clubs or in their cars, yet artists be studying his work in their bedrooms!”

This statement highlights a crucial reality in hip-hop: respect in the game is about skill, not just popularity. Eminem’s intricate wordplay and advanced rhyme schemes make him a technical genius, someone that both casual listeners and rap legends admire.

The Influence of Eminem on Modern Rap

Eminem’s impact on hip-hop extends far beyond just Kendrick Lamar. His rapid-fire delivery, complex storytelling, and ability to switch flows effortlessly have influenced a wide range of artists, including:

• J. Cole is known for his storytelling ability and technical precision, often compared to Eminem’s skillset.
• Joyner Lucas: frequently praised for his fast-paced, multi-syllabic rhyme schemes, a technique Eminem popularized.
• Logic: a rapper who openly acknowledges Eminem’s impact on his rapid delivery and intricate rhyme structures.
• NF: a rising artist whose dark, introspective lyrics and rapid flows draw heavy comparisons to Eminem.

These rappers, much like Kendrick Lamar, have studied Eminem’s approach to lyricism and delivery, incorporating elements of his style into their own music.

Eminem: The GOAT? Kendrick Lamar Thinks So

Hip-hop fans often debate about who deserves the title of Greatest of All Time (GOAT). For Kendrick Lamar, the answer is clear: Eminem.

“Eminem is the GOAT 🐐.”

This statement carries significant weight coming from Lamar, who himself is frequently listed among the greatest rappers in history. By calling Eminem the GOAT, Lamar acknowledges not only Eminem’s technical skills but also his cultural impact and longevity in the industry.

Why Eminem Deserves the GOAT Title

Lamar’s praise is well-founded—Eminem’s contributions to hip-hop are unmatched in many ways:

• Lyricism: Eminem’s multi-syllabic rhyming, internal rhyme schemes, and double entendres set a gold standard for technical rapping.
• Versatility: From aggressive battle rap to emotional storytelling, Eminem has mastered various rap styles.
• Sales & Influence: With over 220 million records sold worldwide, Eminem is the best-selling rapper of all time.
• Longevity: Decades into his career, Eminem still commands respect, with modern artists continuing to cite him as an influence.

Kendrick Lamar’s Own Legacy: A Reflection of Eminem’s Impact

While Lamar started by imitating Eminem, he has since become a legend in his own right. Just as Eminem revolutionized hip-hop in the early 2000s, Lamar has been doing the same for the 2010s and beyond.

His albums, from good kid, m.A.A.d city to DAMN., showcase a level of storytelling, wordplay, and social commentary that few can match. Many critics and fans argue that Lamar is the modern-day equivalent of Eminem in terms of lyrical skill and cultural impact.

Yet, despite his own success, Lamar has never shied away from acknowledging his influences, proving that even the greatest artists stand on the shoulders of those who came before them.

The Eternal Legacy of Eminem & Kendrick Lamar

Kendrick Lamar’s tribute to Eminem is more than just a compliment—it’s proof of how greatness inspires greatness. Eminem’s impact on hip-hop transcends generations, and his influence continues to shape the best rappers of today.

While some may debate who the true GOAT is, one thing is certain: Eminem’s legacy is undeniable, and if an artist of Kendrick Lamar’s caliber calls him the greatest, that speaks volumes.

As hip-hop continues to evolve, Eminem’s influence will remain deeply embedded in the culture—not just in clubs but in the minds of every aspiring rapper who studies his work, just like Kendrick Lamar did.