20 Years of Beef: Mariah Carey Breaks Eminem’s Ego With One Cold Comment

The ongoing saga between Mariah Carey and Eminem has stretched across more than two decades, filled with lyrical jabs, interviews, and speculation about their past. Recently, Carey was asked point-blank if their so-called feud stemmed from her being approached to play Eminem’s mother in the movie 8 Mile. Her response? A dismissive “I really don’t care.”

This latest development has reignited public curiosity about the long-running tension between two of music’s biggest stars. Let’s take a deep dive into the origins of the alleged beef, the rumors surrounding the 8 Mile role, and how both Carey and Eminem have handled the drama over the years.

The Spark: Did 8 Mile Cause the Rift?

During her appearance on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, Mariah Carey was asked about a rumor recently revived by music producer Damion “Damizza” Young. Young claimed that Eminem once wanted Carey to portray his mother in 8 Mile, the 2002 semi-autobiographical film that chronicled his upbringing and rise in Detroit.

When asked if this was the real reason behind her issues with Eminem, Carey responded bluntly:

“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 ultimately went to Kim Basinger, who received praise for her performance. Whether Carey was actually considered for the part remains a mystery, but her casual dismissal of the claim makes it clear she does not see it as a pivotal moment in her relationship—or lack thereof—with Eminem.

The Early 2000s: Eminem Claims a Relationship

The feud between Eminem and Mariah Carey began in the early 2000s when Eminem publicly stated that he and Carey had been romantically involved.

On his Shade 45 radio channel, Eminem reportedly said:

“Yes, me and Mariah did have a relationship for about a good six, seven months. [But] it didn’t work. I wasn’t really into what she was into; our personalities collided. She’s a diva, and I’m a little more regular, I guess. I can never deny her talent, but the fact that she denied we ever had something, that’s bad.”

Mariah Carey, however, told a very different story. In a 2002 interview with Larry King, she denied that she and Eminem ever dated, stating:

“I hung out with him, I spoke to him on the phone. I think I was probably with him a total of four times. And I don’t consider that dating somebody.”

This discrepancy laid the foundation for years of back-and-forths, with neither star backing down.

Mariah Carey’s Musical Response: “Clown”

Following Eminem’s claims, Mariah Carey appeared to hit back through her music. On her 2002 track “Clown,” she sang lyrics widely interpreted as a rebuttal to Eminem’s story:

“You should’ve never intimated we were lovers / When you know very well we never even touched each other.”

Though Carey never explicitly named Eminem, fans and critics connected the dots. This would be the first of many musical exchanges between the two artists.

Eminem’s Retaliation: Lyrics and Disses

Eminem, known for his no-holds-barred lyrical style, didn’t let Carey’s denial slide. In his 2006 track “Jimmy Crack Corn,” he mentioned her by name, rapping:

“Your mind’s on us like mine’s on Mariah / And y’all are just like her, you’re all… liars.”

He continued taking shots at Carey over the years, sometimes directly and sometimes through veiled references.

2009: The “Obsessed” Music Video and “The Warning”

Perhaps the most infamous chapter in the feud came in 2009, when Mariah Carey released “Obsessed.” The track’s music video featured Carey dressed as a stalker resembling Eminem, complete with a hoodie and goatee. Many fans immediately interpreted it as a direct jab at the rapper.

Eminem responded swiftly with “The Warning,” a blistering track in which he not only mocked Carey but also threatened to release alleged voicemails from her. The song also took aim at her then-husband, actor Nick Cannon, escalating the drama even further.

Lyrics from the track included:

“I’m obsessed now? Oh gee, is that supposed to be me in the video with the goatee? Wow Mariah, I didn’t expect her to go balls out. Shut up before I put all them phone calls out you made to my house.”

This fiery exchange solidified the feud as one of pop culture’s most talked-about celebrity rivalries.

The Role of 8 Mile: Fact or Fiction?

The latest claims that Eminem wanted Mariah Carey to play his mother in 8 Mile add a new wrinkle to the story. According to producer Damion Young, Carey’s “insecurities kicked in” when she was approached, leading to tension between her and Eminem.

However, Carey herself has downplayed the rumor, saying she doesn’t think it was the root of the issue. Whether true or not, the idea of Carey portraying Eminem’s troubled mother in such a gritty film feels far-fetched to many. Still, it adds another layer of intrigue to their complicated history.

Why the Feud Resonates with Fans

Part of what makes the Mariah Carey vs. Eminem feud so enduring is the sheer star power of both artists. Carey, known as the “Songbird Supreme,” is one of the most successful vocalists of all time, with an unmatched five-octave range and a string of chart-topping hits. Eminem, meanwhile, is one of the most acclaimed rappers in history, celebrated for his sharp lyricism and cultural impact.

The clash between a pop diva and a rap superstar created a narrative that fans and media outlets couldn’t resist. Each jab—whether a lyric, a music video, or a radio interview—fueled speculation and kept the story alive.

Eminem’s Perspective Today

Eminem has largely remained quiet about the feud in recent years. Known for keeping personal matters out of interviews, he has not revisited the topic extensively since “The Warning.” Still, many of his fans believe he holds lingering resentment over Carey’s denials and the portrayal of him in “Obsessed.”

Mariah Carey’s Perspective Today

Carey, on the other hand, seems unbothered by the decades-long feud. Her “I really don’t care” comment on Andy Cohen’s show suggests she has moved past the drama. Whether this is genuine indifference or a way to avoid reopening old wounds is up for debate, but it reflects her typical cool and dismissive approach to controversy.

Pop Culture Impact of the Feud

The Carey-Eminem feud has had a lasting influence on pop culture. It has been referenced in interviews, documentaries, fan discussions, and countless memes. The “Obsessed” video in particular remains iconic, often revisited by fans whenever talk of their beef resurfaces.

For many, this feud is a prime example of how celebrity rivalries—real or exaggerated—become part of an artist’s larger legacy.

Could the Beef Ever End?

After more than 20 years, fans often wonder if Mariah Carey and Eminem will ever truly bury the hatchet. On one hand, Carey seems ready to leave it all in the past. On the other, Eminem’s history of holding grudges makes reconciliation unlikely.

Still, as both artists continue their legendary careers, the feud may eventually fade into history as a colorful chapter in music lore rather than an active dispute.

A Feud That Won’t Be Forgotten

Mariah Carey’s latest comments about not caring whether the feud with Eminem stemmed from the 8 Mile movie role highlight just how long this back-and-forth has lasted. What began as conflicting stories about a relationship spiraled into one of music’s most memorable celebrity rivalries.

From “Clown” to “Obsessed,” from “Jimmy Crack Corn” to “The Warning,” the two artists have used their platforms to throw shade, entertain fans, and fuel speculation. Whether or not Carey was ever approached to play Eminem’s mother in 8 Mile, it’s clear that their feud has far outlasted any single rumor.

In the end, Carey seems content to dismiss the drama, while Eminem’s past words and songs remain etched in pop culture history. For fans, the saga of Mariah Carey vs. Eminem remains one of the most fascinating—and entertaining—celebrity feuds of all time.