Top 20 Best Eminem Guest Verses

Logic
Maryland rapper Logic has cited Eminem as a major artistic influence. So, it had to have been a huge honor to get the man himself on a track, especially with a verse this good. On Homicide, Logic refers to himself as Slim Shady with rabies. Its an impressive performance in its own right. But its also setting the stage for the guest of honor. In the third verse, the real Slim Shady comes charging through with a verse asserting his continued dominance. More than 20 years into his career, no one would blame Em for resting on his laurels. But as this verse demonstrates, hes not going to make it easy on anyone, especially not himself.

Shabaam Sahdeeq
Eminem mightve seemed an overnight sensation when he first broke, but he put in the work to reach the heights that he did. In a verse on this track from East Coast rapper, Shabaam Sahdeeq Em keeps things brief and blasphemous. His embodiment of someone with a screw or two loose still hits a nerve. And he still leaves us wanting more. He mightve not yet figured out the full power of Slim Shady, but he did show he could stand out even when he didnt have the lengthiest verse. And this feature truly demonstrates a legend in the making.

Nicki Minaj
Technically, this song is credited to Nicki Minaj and Eminem. But part of us wants to credit it to Roman Zolanski and Slim Shady. Minaj and Em perform as their unhinged alter egos in an absolute clash of the titans. With the then-newly crowned rap queen coming out of the gate swinging, you might think that even Eminem would seem restrained by comparison. That is decidedly not the case, as he delivers one of his most-furious features. Both of his verses here are absolutely incredible. Eminem matches Minaj's energy perfectly while also sounding like the singular artist that he is.

#17: Drop the World (2010)
Lil Wayne
Lil Wayne's venture into rap rock wasnt a particular successful experiment. However, if theres something worth salvaging from this era, its this collaboration with Eminem. Over a propulsive and hypnotic beat, Weezy and Em passionately speak about all the obstacles theyve overcome. Eminem spits rapidfire bars about the impact hes had not just on the rap and music worlds, but also the world as a whole. Its two icons who have been counted out and dismissed only to prove their haters wrong time and time again, showing how they reached legendary status in the first place.

DJ Khaled & Kanye West (2022)
Eminem once famously claimed he had to use profanity to sell records, comparing himself to the much more wholesome Will Smith. Turns out, that wasnt entirely true. On this guest verse on a DJ Khaled remix of a track from Kanye Wests gospel album Jesus is King, Eminem pulls off the unthinkable: a verse with no swearing. And this isnt a quick appearance, either. Understanding the assignment, Eminem talks about faith and temptation like he's a veteran of the pulpit as well as the battle rap circuit. And he doesn't sound like he's trying to cynically tap into a new market either. Still, we bet you never imagined Eminem would top the Christian Songs chart, huh?

Missy Elliott
The combined powers of Missy Elliott on the mic and Timbaland on the beats made for some of the most cutting-edge and exciting hip-hop ever made. And bringing Eminem into the fold? Well, thats just making a great thing even better. On this track from Missys second album, the appearance of Slim Shady is teased through a chorus of whispers. Then, once he arrives, he has our full attention. The un-PC bravado of classic era Em fits great with Timbalands off-kilter yet catchy production. All three of his verses here are impressive in their own way, each demonstrating why hes been regarded as such a mad genius for so long.


#14: EPMD 2 (2021)
Nas
Nas and Eminem each brought the art of rap to unforeseen heights early in their careers and didnt stop there. Yet, somewhat unbelievably, the two never appeared on a track together until 2021. On this standout from Nass acclaimed 13th album, King's Disease II, Eminem delivers a mindblowing feature full of vigor, passion, and, Christmas references? He also finds time to salute the other greats of the genre, including Nasir himself. Meanwhile, Hit-Boys crisp trap production provides excellent support to Ems words. Do we wish we couldve gotten this team-up sooner? Absolutely. Was it worth the wait? For sure.

The Lox
Eminem is famous for repping his home city of Detroit. But if you only knew him from this, you might think he was an East Coast legend. On this tribute to the NYC neighborhood of Yonkers, from Jadakiss and the rest of the Lox crew, Eminem sounds like anything but a tourist. Detailing a dangerous stretch of city with startling urgency, Em makes you feel like he's painting a grim portrait right before your eyes. This verse, along with his equally impressive work on the chorus, marks Eminem as an artist who does his homework no matter what.

Royce Da 5'9"
Though Eminem has great chemistry with numerous collaborators, his bond with his Bad Meets Evil cohort Royce Da 5'9" is particularly special. On this track from Royces seventh album, Eminem sounds like anything but a caterpillar. Instead, hes more like a hornet, full of venom and ready to strike. With visceral imagery, flow switch-ups, and maximum energy, he sounds like a man on an absolute mission. Its no wonder Em and Royces partnership has lasted so long. As both are technical wizards on the mic who know how to make each and every line count.

Obie Trice
Another excellent Detroit rapper in his orbit, Obie Trice's first album was executive produced by Eminem, who also appears on numerous tracks. The best feature, though, comes on this posse cut, also featuring Lloyd Banks and 50 Cent. Though the title might suggest contemplating ones mortality, Em delivers a verse thats more murderous than meditative. So, you might not want to put it on at the spa. But if you need a verse from Eminem thatll get you fired up and ready to take on the world, its hard to go wrong with this one.

Xzibit (2000)
For this declarative track, Em first sets up X with a telling hook. After Xzbit slays verse one, Mathers jumps in with some razor-sharp words about his celebrity status and media attention. But Em doesnt finish there, as he returns for a final verse about the consequences of confronting fans . With his second rhyme, Eminem is more explanatory than boastful. He addresses why he needs to be cautious with overbearing fans, and also what happens if he lets people get too close. Its slightly comedic but also focused on his real-life issues.

The Notorious B.I.G. (2000)
Released after Biggies untimely death, this guest spot helped ignite Eminems career. Lyrically, he initially takes a surrealistic approach, painting a hellish landscape of devil worship . But he then offers some clarity by communicating his reality, and what it takes to survive. For this one, Em unloads with an aggressive flow and finishes off with some descriptive rhymes about red-themed visuals. Its a killer verse, and it has all the lyrical bravado of someone thats trying to make a name for himself in the rap game.

B.o.B feat. Hayley Williams (2010)
In this Grammy-nominated track, Eminem actually sings before he rhymes. After B.o.B.s reflective two verses, Em gets nostalgic while examining his own past. In contrast to Hayley Williams dreamy chorus, Mathers is a little more blunt, a little more urgent with his vocals. With this tone, he captures what its like to feel young and helpless, both for himself and for listeners, too. Its all steeped in pretending, and wishing for something you cant quite grasp. By the end, Eminem effectively closes off the track with his unique storytelling abilities.

Dr. Dre (2011)
With this guest spot, Em shows some tough love for his iconic mentor. In verse one, Mathers looks inward and explores his down self-doubt. He follows that up with another train-of-thought rhyme, only this time hes speaking directly to Dr. Dre, offering a heart-felt message of hope and loyalty. Overall, I Need a Doctor represents a wake-up call for both artists, with Skylar Greys soft hook hypnotically complementing the two MCs. For this Eminem guest verse, he pays homage to a legend, who just so happens to be the man that changed his life, too.

Yelawolf (2015)
Co-produced by Eminem, this spiritual song concludes with a memorable and extensive rhyme. Technically, its a one-verse spot, but the depth and length showcases Mathers lyrical wizardry. With his staccato flow, Em takes an unorthodox approach, and his tone becomes more assertive from line to line. On a personal level, Eminem owns up to his faults and reminds that hes no angel. But on the professional side, Em reminds that hes one of the legends; an MC that thrives on his inner-strength and ability to handle the pressure, even when life gets most difficult .

Akon (2006)
For this international hit, Em constructs his verse specifically for the club crowd. With Akon setting the mood for Smack That, Em builds on the sexual concept with some lyrical foreplay and crisp rhymes. He brings his usual sense of humor, all the while shouting-out the featured artist himself. Its a sharp guest spot, with Em showing off his wordplay skills . At the time of release, Akon was still an emerging artist, and the Eminem collaboration provided some extra commercial appeal, as Smack That went on to earn triple platinum certification and spent five weeks at the #2 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 .

Drake, Kanye West, Lil Wayne, & Eminem (2009)


Heres a posse cut that concludes with a bang. After Drake, Kanye West and Lil Wayne drop their own verses, Em shuts it down with some lyrical fire. On Forever, Eminem immediately references his own flow, which sets the tone for a brilliant verse that references Macadamia nuts, Pinocchio and even Hannibal Lecter. Forever was recorded for the 2008 documentary More Than a Game, and Ems creative verse sets himself apart from the competition, along with his hard-hitting delivery . Most importantly, it reminds that hes an elite MC that can hang with anybody.

Jay-Z (2001)
When this track was released, the one and only Nas famously noted that Eminem murdered Jay-Z on his own track. While thats up for debate, its undeniable that Mathers constructs two immaculate verses about his public persona . With the first, he takes aim at critics who misrepresent his intentions, communicating that hes no role model, but rather a lyrical artist. Next, he follows up Jay-Z again with a more spiritual verse that addresses hypocritical behavior . Released in 2001, Renegade showed that Eminem could not only hold his own alongside Jay-Z, but that hes got the same lyrical depth as well .

50 Cent (2003)
In 2003, 50 Cent made his much-anticipated debut with Get Rich or Die Tryin. Although Patiently Waiting wasnt released as a single, it does feature Eminem at his best . First, Mathers appears on the bridge, complementing 50s opening verse. For his one and only rhyme, Em pays homage to hip-hop legends, even adopting a staccato flow like the late Tupac Shakur . Its a timely guest spot, one that acknowledges his future in the rap game, along with the events of 9/11. He pays respect to 50 Cents skills, but its Eminem that ultimately steals the show.

Dr. Dre (1999)
This single re-introduced a legend and features a legend in the making. Eminem delivers one of hip-hops most classic hooks, one that remains relevant even in the new era of rap. Then theres the seamless transition into a long-winded verse; a spotlight for Em to showcase his storytelling abilities . First, he wisely acknowledges the iconic N.W.A., but then its the Slim Shady show, where he mixes lyrical comedy with some hard-edged rhymes. With respect to Eminems guest spot on Dres Whats the Difference, its his Forgot About Dre verse that inspired a world of fans to imitate him, if only out of respect and admiration for his lyrical flow.





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