Eminem Built Hip Hop Careers and Destroyed Them, Says Tony Yayo

When it comes to shaping Hip Hop history, few names loom as large as Eminem. His influence stretches far beyond his own chart-topping records, reaching into the success stories of entire groups and individual artists who rose with his backing. In a new interview with Shannon Sharpe on Club Shay Shay, Tony Yayo — a founding member of G-Unit — opened up about Eminem’s lasting impact on the culture, the behind-the-scenes dynamics of 50 Cent’s early hits, and the lessons he’s carried throughout his career.

What emerged was a candid portrait of Eminem as both a builder and a destroyer in Hip Hop — a man whose cosigns propelled careers to platinum status, but whose lyrical battles could dismantle media empires.

Eminem’s Ear for Detail: The Magic Behind the Music

Tony Yayo didn’t mince words when praising Eminem’s artistry, calling him his “favorite white boy in the world.” He recalled how Em’s meticulous approach elevated the classic track “Many Men” from 50 Cent’s iconic Get Rich or Die Tryin’.

According to Yayo, 50 Cent initially wasn’t sold on the record, thinking it was “too slow.” But Eminem heard something others didn’t. He pointed out tiny details — even explaining how the footsteps heard in the track came straight from the horror classic Poltergeist.

“A producer that’s like that? He’s listening to the little things,” Yayo said. “That’s why Eminem is different.”

This attention to detail, Yayo explained, set Eminem apart from nearly everyone else in the studio. While Dr. Dre supplied the beats that would go on to define an era, Eminem layered in the cinematic touches that gave songs lasting depth.

Building Hip Hop Empires: From G-Unit to Griselda

Tony Yayo emphasized that Eminem’s influence went beyond his solo career. He highlighted the success of multiple groups and artists that benefitted from Em’s cosign, including:

• D12 – Eminem’s original crew, brought into the mainstream spotlight.

• G-Unit – With Em’s support, 50 Cent, Lloyd Banks, and Tony Yayo became global stars.

• Slaughterhouse – Featuring lyricists like Joe Budden, who gained worldwide recognition.

• Griselda – The Buffalo collective that received a significant boost from Em’s endorsement.

“Look at what he did groupwise,” Yayo said. “All those cosigns helped bring success to these artists. Worldwide. ’Cause of Eminem.”

This ability to elevate others has made Eminem one of the most influential gatekeepers in Hip Hop. His willingness to share the spotlight ensured that multiple movements, sounds, and regions flourished under his watch.

Destroying Empires: The Benzino and The Source Fallout

But as Tony Yayo reminded fans, Eminem wasn’t just a builder — he could also be a destroyer. Yayo pointed to Eminem’s feud with Benzino, then co-owner of The Source magazine.

“Em destroyed The Source magazine when you really think about it. ‘Nail in the Coffin.’ It was over,” Yayo said.

The lyrical battle, marked by Eminem’s devastating diss tracks, not only embarrassed Benzino but also eroded the credibility of The Source, once considered the Bible of Hip Hop. For Yayo, it was a prime example of how Eminem’s words carried enough power to dismantle an institution.

The Game, Loyalty, and the Platinum Era

Yayo also reflected on his bond with The Game, who rose to prominence thanks to the joint backing of Dr. Dre, 50 Cent, and Eminem. While their relationships have seen ups and downs, Yayo refused to dismiss Game’s contributions.

“I would never hate on Game. I was on his first album,” Yayo said. “But come on. Dr. Dre cosign. Fifty cosign at the same time. Eminem cosign. Anybody who signed to G-Unit at that time was going platinum without a problem.”

For Yayo, the message is clear: respect the people who opened doors for you. He cautioned against disloyalty, saying, “Never bite the hand that feeds you. Never disrespect the person that turned the lights on you.”

Loyalty to Eminem and 50 Cent

One of the most telling moments of the interview came when Yayo recalled Eminem defending him at an awards show while he was behind bars. Despite not being physically present, Yayo felt Eminem’s support in a way that deepened their bond.

“Fif could diss me tomorrow, and I’m good,” Yayo admitted. “Because he turned the lights on for me. And Em? I’ll always ride for him. He stood up for me when I couldn’t even be there.”

This kind of loyalty underscores the respect Yayo holds for those who helped shape his career, no matter how turbulent things may have gotten over the years.

Eminem’s Legacy: More Than Just Numbers

Tony Yayo also pushed back against critics who dismiss Eminem’s music because of his race or commercial dominance.

“People say, ‘I don’t listen to Eminem. I can’t name five songs.’ Yo, listen. It doesn’t matter. He still does billions of streams. Give him credit,” Yayo argued.

Indeed, Eminem’s career numbers are staggering. With over 200 million albums sold worldwide and countless streams, he remains one of the most commercially successful artists of all time. But as Yayo emphasized, the numbers tell only part of the story.

It’s the artists he lifted up, the cultural battles he won, and the empires he built and destroyed that truly define his place in Hip Hop history.

Conclusion: Eminem’s Dual Role in Hip Hop

Tony Yayo’s reflections offer a raw, unfiltered look at Eminem’s dual legacy in Hip Hop. On one hand, he’s the builder who gave careers to artists and groups that might never have reached the same heights without his backing. On the other, he’s the destroyer, a lyrical force capable of ending careers and even dismantling institutions like The Source.

What ties both sides together is the same quality Yayo praised from the start: Eminem’s unparalleled attention to detail, passion for the craft, and unwavering presence in the culture.

In Hip Hop, legends are defined not just by their music but by the impact they leave on others. As Tony Yayo’s words remind us, Eminem’s fingerprints are everywhere — on the careers he built, the battles he won, and the loyalty he inspired.