Eminem is one of the most unrelenting performers to grace the public eye, as evidenced by both his vigorous flow and prolific discography. Known to be a bit reclusive, Em’s introverted tendencies keep him locked in the studio, leading to an apparent never-ending library of music for fans to enjoy.
Despite his private nature, Eminem’s ability to assume the role of guest on a track and provide fully-formed and bar-ridden verses has played a huge part in his meteoric rise and one-way to ticket to the top.
From rarities to classics, humble beginnings to veteran displays, Em may not always want to come out and play, but he never fails to deliver if he opts to. Over the next few weeks, HotNewHipHop is going to turn back the clocks and revisit each and every guest appearance Slim Shady has taken part in during his lengthy career.
Big or small, there's no escaping.
Here's every Eminem guest appearance of all time: 1996-2000.
This series will be ongoing, return next Monday for the next four years' worth of Em features.
Cover photo by Scott Gries.
1996
1996
Parts Unknown - Dumpin’ (Ft. Proof & Eminem)
Alongside the late Proof, Eminem’s inaugural feature verse is nearly a full-fledged D12 cameo. Released in the same year as D12’s conception, the song crackles with low budget antiquity and gives Em a platform to spit circles around his hosts, setting a trend that hasn’t since relented.
1997
1997
The Anonymous & Eminem - Green & Gold
The Anonymous’ legacy lives solely through this Eminem collaboration, wherein Em casually raps about smoking crack and wearing Rolexes. Or as a young Eminem would’ve called it, “the usual.”
Outsidaz - Take the Whole World With Me (Ft. Bizarre & Eminem)
The first of many collaborations with Outsidaz, an east coast crew that Em and his D12 brethren would cross paths with on small venue tours.
1998
1998
Shabaam Sahdeeq - 5 Star Generals (Ft. Eminem, AL, Kwest, & Skam)
"5 Star Generals" is a sneak peak at the kind of show-stopping verse that Eminem became so well known for in subsequent years. While the company Em kept on this track isn’t as memorable as most of his later collaborators (though hardcore fans may recognize Skam), his trademark insipid storytelling style from his early years is on full display.
Bizarre - Trife Thieves (Ft. Fuzz Scoota & Eminem)
Off of Bizarre’s debut Attack of the Weirdo’s EP, “Trife Thieves” is a preliminary opportunity to indulge in the blissfully insidious aesthetic of the soon-to-be D12 members.
Outsidaz - Hard Act To Follow (Ft. Eminem)
This unreleased track by Outsidaz - a New Jersey based rap ensemble and frequent early collaborators with D12 - bangs with keys and drums synonymous to 1990’s East Coast production. The lyrical fare here is less malicious than a lot of Em’s earlier work, but still pulls no punches.
Old World Disorder - 3ree6ix5ive (Ft. Eminem)
This track holds a special place in Eminem canon as being “the underground shit [Eminem] did with Skam” mentioned in his mega hit “Stan”.
Da Ruckus - We Shine (Ft. Eminem)
Things were kept local on “We Shine.”
Detroit rap duo Da Ruckus (comprised of Uncle ILL an Hush) were lucky enough to be able to score an early guest appearance from a yet-to-explode fellow Detroiter Eminem, on what would go down as their best remembered (see: only remembered) hip-hop contribution.
DJ Jazzy Jeff - When To Stand Up (Ft. Eminem & Pauly Yamz)
DJ Jazzy Jeff became Eminem’s highest profile collaboration to date when “When To Stand” was released in 1998. Complete with a South Park sample, this track encapsulates the comically crude characteristics that were evident in all content of the late 90’s. Although Em would obviously go on to work with the best DJs the game has to offer, “When To Stand Up” remains his sole work with DJ Jazzy Jeff.
Kid Rock - Fuck Off (Ft. Eminem)
With The Slim Shady LP under his belt, Eminem’s stock soared in 1998, making him an in-demand cameo for burgeoning artists like Kid Rock. Believe it or not, in the late-nineties these two seemingly had very similar career trajectories (what with their shared anti-authority personas, their both being from Detroit, and their pigment). Due to their up-and-coming status, this collaboration was sort of a big deal at the time and its “Fuck Off” title was, like, super edgy.
1999
1999
Outsidaz - Rush Ya Clique (Ft. Eminem)
Eminem returns to his guest-starring role alongside Outsidaz, this time for the headbanger known as Rush Ya Clique. Em alleges he freestyles this verse, and I believe him. It’s a sweet sixteen bars.
Turn Me Loose (Ft. Eminem)
Limp Bizkit demo features some fantastic and, when considering all-time favorites, oft overlooked bars from Eminem. This track is an anomaly because it’s both a convergence of two of pop culture powerhouses, and because it predates Em’s historic beef with Limp Bizkit and frontman Fred Durst.
Outsidaz - Macosa (Ft. Eminem)
Macosa was recorded just months after Eminem befriended Outsidaz member Pacewon after picking him up for a show at an airport and leaked unofficially, assumingly to capitalize at Eminem's rocketing popularity.
The Anthem - KRS-ONE, RZA, Xzibit, Tech N9ne, Pharoahe Monch, Jayo Felony, Kool G Rap, Eminem, Chino XL
In 1999 “The Anthem” felt like Eminem rubbing shoulders with underground loyalty, sharing the studio with the likes of KRS-ONE, RZA, Xzibit, and Tech N9ne. Since, nearly everyone on this track has cemented their names as legends. Sway spun the 1’s and 2’s on this one, marking another early major industry endorsement for Em.
Dr. Dre - Bad Guys Always Die (Ft. Eminem)
If you ever needed a reason to revisit the Wild Wild West soundtrack beyond its eponymous track, how about this forgotten cowboy inspired classic by Dre and Em?
Missy Elliott - Busa Rhyme (Ft. Eminem)
Eminem’s 1999 team-up with Missy Elliott was a sign of how much of a commodity he had become since his debut Slim Shady LP. After keeping mostly to fellow Michiganders (Kid Rock, D12) or mentors (Dr. Dre), featuring on a Missy track marked a pivotal point in Em’s career; if Missy Elliott endorsed this scrawny white dude, who wouldn’t?
The High & Mighty - The Last Hit (Ft. Eminem)
Eminem was one of a few notable guest appearances off of The High & Mighty’s severely underrated debut LP Home Field Advantage, which also featured Pharoahe Monch and Mos Def.
Hittman - Front Page Stardom (Ft. Eminem)
A scrapped would-be single off of Hittman’s also ditched Hitt’s Big Score album, this track was never intended to feature Eminem but had a recycled freestyle verse placed in at the behest of Aftermath.
The Notorious B.I.G. - Dead Wrong (Ft. Eminem)
In the first of what seems like an infinitum of posthumous Notorious B.I.G. compilation records, Born Again had one real gem: “Dead Wrong,” featuring Eminem. Still green behind the gills, Eminem nearly overshadowed the late great Biggie Smalls on his own album of collaborations, providing him one of his biggest launching pads to date.
DJ Rectangle - You Must Be Crazy (Ft. Hot Karl, Eminem, & Dree)
Off DJ Rectangle’s 1200’s Never Die album, this track also features comedian and podcast host Jensen Karp, going under his former rap guise of Hot Karl. Karp’s foray into a rap career was short lived, ultimately leaving the game behind to pursue a career in comedy writing.
Dr. Dre - Forgot About Dre (Ft. Eminem)
This may be one of the best raps songs of all time, or at least one of the best choruses. It’s certainly the best of that year and it’s got the gold to back it, winning the Grammy for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group in 2000.
This warning shot for the forthcoming 2001 record scorched the earth upon its mid-year release in 1999, serving as a reminder of the formidable nature of Dr. Dre and a marking of territory for the now iconic duo. Its scorching flame is seemingly eternal, too, with Forgot About Dre still enduring as a quintessential track in the extensive catalogs of both emcees.
Dr. Dre - The Watcher
Em goes uncredited performing the hook (alongside Knoc-Turn'al) on the opening track of Dr. Dre’s 2001, a ghostly presence on an otherwise intense album.
Dr. Dre - What’s the Difference (Ft. Xzibit & Eminem)
While Em does feature on this track, the real story lies in Xzibit’s last second addition to the song after Hittman’s verse was abandoned during 2001’s mastering.
2000
2000
Cypress Hill - (Rap) Superstar (Ft. Eminem)
Noreaga and Eminem provide words on this single off of Cypress Hill’s Skull & Bones. A modern classic, (Rap) Superstar and its counterpart (Rock) Superstar are both respectfully hype anthems for the ages.
Xzibit - Don’t Approach Me (Ft. Eminem)
On "Don’t Approach Me," Em plays double duty by lacing the beat and grabbing the mic. No fatigue is shown as a result of the multitasking, with the track earning enough acclaim to warrant a music video despite never being released as an official single.
The Madd Rapper - Stir Crazy (Ft. Eminem)
Producer and Kanye West mentor D-Dot Angelittie’s sole album using the short lived “Madd Rapper” persona contained the hidden gem that is “Stir Crazy,” as well as a separate 50 Cent appearance.
Eminem & Redman - Off the Wall
A duet between Eminem and Redman may be the best thing to come out of "Nutty Professor 2: The Klumps." Despite the movie being lackluster, the soundtrack proved to pack a punch. "Off the Wall" puts both Red and Em’s buoyant personalities in display, resulting in a fun little track.
