Listen: Eminem Shares His Influences and More During Shade 45’s ‘Back to School (Da Ol’ Skool Way)’ Special
Eminem reflects on hearing LL COOL J, Rakim, and more legendary rappers in a new special hosted by D-Stroy.
As summer ends school doors re-open, Eminem takes listeners back to the school — the “Old Skool Way” — by playing some of his favorites from artists that have inspired him on Shade 45 (Ch. 45) during the “Back to School (Da Ol’ Skool Way)” special, available on car radios and the SiriusXM app.
During the exclusive special, Shade 45 host D-Stroy guides us thru the stories for this Labor Day special. Get to know Young Marshall and what made him put his pen to paper with influences from Rakim, LL Cool J, Redman, Masta Ace & more.
Eminem Says LL COOL J Inspired Him to Start Rapping
Eminem said LL COOL J’s 1985 album, Radio, was the first full rap cassette he owned and that he played it repeatedly as a kid.
“He was what made me want to rap in the first place,” Eminem said.
He also recalled writing one of his first raps after hearing LL COOL J’s B.A.D., saying his verse “sounded just like” the track.
Eminem Credits Rakim & the Underground Rap Scene
Eminem also discussed learning from Rakim’s multisyllabic rhyme patterns and described his time in Detroit’s underground rap scene as an important learning experience.
Eminem on Hearing Other Rappers Sound Like Him
After The Slim Shady LP arrived, Eminem began noticing newer rappers adopting elements of his style.
“I didn’t realize ’til the first album dropped that now rappers are starting to sound like me,” he said. “Pretty f***ing wild.”
