Real really does recognize real. On Wednesday (May 27th), Eminem had some very kind words to say about his longtime friend and former Shady Records artist, KXNG Crooked. To celebrate the 20th anniversary of The Marshall Mathers LP, Em conducted a listening party of the hip hop masterpiece as well as a live stream chat with fans, where he answered questions and talked music. At one point, he was asked which rapper he thought was the most underrated, to which he responded, "KXNG Crooked."
Crooked, who was formerly signed to Em's label for a period of time as a member of Slaughterhouse, was thrilled to hear about Em's gracious co-sign. “That means a lot coming from a Jedi man,” he told HipHopDX. “I’m grateful for his willingness to speak positive things about me in public because he doesn’t have to. I guess sometimes it takes a master to recognize another one. Thanks for showing me because I know to thank him now.”
Crooked went on to post screenshots of the articles on Instagram, writing "Thanks Marshall" in the caption.
Most recently, Em and Crooked collaborated on the track, “I Will," off the former's latest album, Music To Be Murdered By. The track also included verses from Crooked's former fellow Slaughterhouse members, Joell Ortiz and Royce Da 5’9.