Exploring the Dispute Between Eminem and Melle Mel: Rapper Addresses Beef in New Single “Tobey”
Eminem has released a new single called “Tobey” from his upcoming album, The Death Of Slim Shady. The music video, directed by Cole Bennett, is set to be released on July 5, 2024. The lyrics are filled with complex rhymes and entendres as usual, with a notable reference to Melle Mel that fans are sure to appreciate.
Who is Melle Mel and what’s his issue with Eminem?
The conflict began when Melle Mel, the lead vocalist of Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, publicly criticized Eminem in an interview with The Art of Dialogue. He implied that Eminem’s success may be attributed to his white skin color, despite acknowledging his talent as a rapper.
During the interview, they discussed Eminem’s ranking as No. 5 on Billboard’s Best Rappers of All Time list, while Melle Mel was placed at No. 48. Mel questioned whether Eminem would still hold a top spot if he were black, drawing a parallel to the status of Elvis in the music industry.
Melle Mel stated, “He’s white. So now if Eminem was another n**ga like all the rest of us, would he be top five on that list when a n**ga that could rhyme just as good as him is 35? That had records and all that? The point is this, If I was white, I’d be greater than Elvis. N****s would be like, ‘Melle Mel is greater than Elvis.'”
In response, Eminem featured on Ez Mil’s song “Realest,” signed to Eminem’s Shady Records. In his verse, Eminem refuted Melle Mel’s claims, arguing that hip-hop does not appreciate him because of his skin color. He directly addressed Mel in his verse, acknowledging Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five but critiquing Mel’s statement in a cleverly crafted rap verse.
Eminem’s lyrics in the song stated, “Guess I’ve really no right to complain much hip hop has been good to me huh / But when they say that I’m only top five ’cause I’m white why would I be stunned / My skin color’s still working against me ’cause second I should be to none / Being white ain’t why they put me at five it’s why they can’t put me at one.”
Eminem addresses his conflict with Melle Mel in new single “Tobey”
On August 8th, Melle Mel uploaded a video titled “Melle Mel’s Response to Eminem’s Latest Diss” on his YouTube channel, as a response to Eminem. In the video, the 62-year-old rapper jokingly referred to Eminem as “Em Pee-Wee Herman.” He stated, “The Top 5 is cap. You are the piss that’s on the floor in the elevator of rap.”
Following the backlash from Eminem’s fans online, Melle Mel issued a statement acknowledging his mistake and expressing respect for Eminem and his dedicated fan base.
Eminem has consistently shown respect for hip-hop legends, including Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five. In his new single, “Tobey,” he addresses Melle Mel’s criticism with the lyrics:
“When I / Get dissed though and by a pioneer / Who was one of the reasons why I am here / They tell me I should just let that shit go and slide (Why?) / ‘Melle Mel shouldn’t get no reply’ (Why?) / ‘That man is a legend,’ so am I.”
The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grâce) is set to be released on July 12, 2024.
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