Exclusive: Big Sean reaches out to Eminem for collaboration on iconic J Dilla beat, but Eminem declines
Welcome to Music Nation 365, where we bring you the latest and most intriguing stories from the world of music. Today, we dive into the fascinating world of collaborations that almost happened, but didn’t quite make it to the final tracklist. One such story involves Big Sean, Eminem, and the legendary J Dilla.
In a recent cover story by Essence, Big Sean shared his experience working with Eminem on his 2020 album, Detroit 2. The duo collaborated on the track “Friday Night Cypher” alongside a lineup of talented artists, but what fans may not know is that Big Sean had initially attempted to get Eminem to rap over a J Dilla beat for the project.
Big Sean revealed that he had sent Eminem an unreleased J Dilla beat, which reminded him of “an old Eminem.” Although Eminem liked the instrumental, the collaboration ultimately didn’t come to fruition. This wasn’t the first time Slim Shady had passed on a J Dilla production, as D12’s Denaun Porter previously disclosed that Eminem had also passed on a beat that later ended up on A Tribe Called Quest’s album.
Despite the missed opportunity, Big Sean is no stranger to spitting over J Dilla beats. Earlier this year, he showcased his skills on a remix of Slum Village’s “Get Dis Money” alongside Bryson Tiller. Additionally, he dropped bars over a reworked version of The Pharcyde’s “Drop” for his “Whole Time” freestyle.
As Big Sean gears up to release his sixth studio album this year, fans can’t help but wonder if it will feature any collaborations with Eminem or J Dilla. Will the Detroit rap legends finally join forces on a track? Only time will tell, but the anticipation is certainly high.
Join us at Music Nation 365 as we continue to explore the stories behind the music and uncover the intriguing tales of what could have been in the world of collaborations. Stay tuned for more updates and insights into the ever-evolving landscape of the music industry.