Ed Sheeran is one of the most recognizable names in the music industry right now, but he'll be playing second fiddle to Eminem on the rapper's upcoming album Revival, guesting on a track that is titled "River." In a recent video interview with Billboard, the singer opened up about his experience working with Em and crafting this upcoming track.
The process actually began some 18 months ago, when Ed Sheeran was on a completely different continent. “I was traveling Australia, and Russell Crowe has this big house,” Sheeran revealed. “I got an email from Paul Rosenberg—Eminem’s manager—and he says, ‘We’re gonna start putting the album together. Send in any ideas.’” After he sent in some sample material, which included him playing multiple instruments, he didn't hear from Eminem's crew for over a year until he almost accidentally got an update.
“My mate Emile, who produces a lot for Eminem is like, ‘Oh, I’ve done some drums and stuff on the “River” song that you wrote,’” Sheeran said. “I was like, ‘Oh, cool. Are you gonna send it to him?’” Apparently, it was at this point that Sheeran found out that Slim Shady has already laid down some verses on the track, proceeding to tweak some of the instrumental portion even further before he and the "Shape of You" singer ever met in person. When they finally did connect, the song had already been completed.
Are you stoked for the Eminem-Ed Sheeran collab? Or are you more down for another one of Revival's features? Let us know in the comments.