Leonardo DiCaprio turned to Eminem for support while preparing for a Scorsese role

When it comes to Leonardo DiCaprio, fans often think of his Oscar-winning performances, his collaborations with Martin Scorsese, and his tireless environmental activism. But behind the intensity of his roles lies another key influence—music. Surprisingly, one of the most powerful voices shaping DiCaprio’s acting process is none other than Eminem, the Detroit rap icon whose raw energy and uncompromising lyrics became a source of inspiration during the filming of Gangs of New York.

This revelation highlights not only DiCaprio’s acting depth but also his broad musical tastes, ranging from early jazz and blues to contemporary hip hop. His reliance on Eminem to help channel emotion for such a dark role underscores the unique connection between music and performance.

DiCaprio’s Deep and Eclectic Musical Palette

Leonardo DiCaprio’s relationship with music is more layered than many expect. Throughout various interviews and casual mentions, the actor has dropped hints about the artists and genres that shape his off-screen world. According to an overview published by Far Out magazine, DiCaprio has been influenced by a variety of styles:

• Early jazz and blues, reflecting his appreciation for timeless musical traditions.

• Modern rap, where he finds raw emotion, rhythm, and lyrical intensity.

• Kendrick Lamar and 2 Chainz, both of whom he has praised publicly.

• BTS, with their hit Blood, Sweat & Tears earning a spot among his favorites.

• J.I.D., the Atlanta rapper who named two mixtapes after the actor, cementing a playful cultural connection.

This blend of influences reveals that DiCaprio’s ear gravitates toward authenticity, rhythm, and storytelling—qualities essential in both music and acting.

Eminem’s Influence on Gangs of New York

One of the most fascinating anecdotes from DiCaprio’s career involves his time on the set of Martin Scorsese’s historical epic Gangs of New York. Preparing for such an intense, gritty story set in 19th-century New York was no easy task. To find the right emotional state, DiCaprio and his co-star Daniel Day-Lewis turned to an unexpected source: Eminem’s The Way I Am.

This particular track, one of Eminem’s most personal and aggressive songs, gave the actors the energy and mindset needed to embody characters entrenched in violence, survival, and raw power. Day-Lewis, famously known for his method acting, found common ground with DiCaprio through the charged atmosphere that Eminem’s music provided.

By immersing themselves in the unapologetic emotion of the song, the two actors tapped into a visceral drive, perfectly aligned with the ruthless world their characters inhabited. This unlikely pairing of period drama and modern rap demonstrates how great performances can be shaped by influences far outside their immediate setting.

The Role of Music in DiCaprio’s Acting Process

Actors often turn to music as a tool for preparation, and DiCaprio is no exception. For him, music acts as a bridge between himself and the emotional world of his characters. Eminem’s music in particular provided a sense of urgency, frustration, and intensity—qualities essential for a role in Gangs of New York.

In other roles, DiCaprio has likely leaned on different genres depending on the tone and character. His wide-ranging playlist ensures that whether he is playing a Wall Street tycoon, a struggling dreamer, or a ruthless survivor, there is always a soundtrack guiding his performance.

This insight into his preparation highlights how hip hop’s raw authenticity aligns with DiCaprio’s pursuit of truth in acting. Just as Eminem channels his real struggles and emotions into music, DiCaprio channels that same intensity into his roles.

Hip Hop as a Foundation in DiCaprio’s Taste

Although DiCaprio’s love for jazz and blues shows his respect for musical history, hip hop stands out as the foundation of his listening habits. From Eminem to Kendrick Lamar, 2 Chainz, and J.I.D., the artists he gravitates toward often share a commitment to storytelling and self-expression.

Hip hop’s rhythm and lyricism make it a perfect companion for actors seeking emotional resonance. For DiCaprio, listening to Eminem, BTS, or J.I.D. isn’t just about entertainment—it’s about immersing himself in worlds of struggle, triumph, and authenticity that mirror his own artistic journey.

Why Eminem’s “The Way I Am” Resonated with DiCaprio

Among Eminem’s vast catalog, The Way I Am remains one of his most powerful tracks. Released during a time when the rapper faced intense public pressure, the song’s aggressive tone and unfiltered honesty became a declaration of individuality.

For DiCaprio and Day-Lewis, this was more than background noise—it was a psychological tool. The relentless energy of the song created an atmosphere that reflected the chaotic, violent setting of Gangs of New York. By embracing the track’s defiance, the actors found themselves better prepared to embody characters locked in brutal conflict.

This use of modern music in historical filmmaking illustrates how universal certain emotions are—rage, survival, ambition. Eminem’s words may have been written in the late 1990s, but their spirit matched the world of 1860s New York perfectly.

DiCaprio’s Musical Curiosity Beyond Eminem

While Eminem played a special role in one chapter of DiCaprio’s career, the actor’s curiosity spans far wider. His admiration for Kendrick Lamar’s artistry reflects an appreciation for rap that blends poetry with social commentary. His recognition of 2 Chainz’s charisma shows that he values personality and energy. And his enjoyment of BTS’s Blood, Sweat & Tears highlights his openness to global music phenomena, not just Western acts.

The fact that J.I.D. named mixtapes after DiCaprio speaks volumes about the mutual respect between artists across different mediums. Music and acting, though distinct, share common ground in performance, rhythm, and storytelling—something DiCaprio clearly understands.

The Broader Impact of Music on Film Preparation

The connection between actors and music is not new. Many performers use soundtracks to get into character, relying on rhythm or lyrics to fuel emotional states. What makes DiCaprio’s example unique is the choice of Eminem, a figure often associated with modern rebellion, being used to prepare for a 19th-century drama.

This demonstrates how timeless emotions in music can transcend eras and settings. Rage, identity, power, and resilience are universal, and they can bridge the gap between a rapper in Detroit and a gangster in old New York.

For DiCaprio, this synergy was crucial in elevating his performance to the level audiences have come to expect.

Conclusion: DiCaprio’s Soundtrack to Greatness

Behind every great performance lies preparation, and for Leonardo DiCaprio, that preparation often involves music. His eclectic playlist—spanning jazz, blues, rap, and international pop—reflects a creative mind constantly seeking inspiration. Among these influences, Eminem holds a special place, providing the energy and emotion that helped DiCaprio and Daniel Day-Lewis embody their roles in Gangs of New York.

From praising Kendrick Lamar to enjoying BTS, DiCaprio’s music taste is as wide-ranging as his acting career. Yet it is Eminem’s The Way I Am that stands as a testament to the powerful bond between music and acting. Just as Eminem channels his raw truth into lyrics, DiCaprio channels his intensity into characters—two artists, in different mediums, united by a shared pursuit of authenticity.

Ultimately, the story of Leonardo DiCaprio turning to Eminem while prepping for a Scorsese role reminds us that great art is never created in isolation. Whether through rap, jazz, or K-pop, music continues to shape the way actors connect with their roles, offering new dimensions to their craft and enriching the stories they tell on screen.