Eminem, widely hailed as one of the greatest rappers of all time, didn’t rise to the top of the music world on his own. His unparalleled lyricism and distinct delivery were shaped by a melting pot of musical influences—from hardcore rap pioneers to unlikely artists beyond the hip-hop genre. Eminem’s idols paved the way for his journey from Detroit’s underground scene to global superstardom. Here’s a closer look at the musical legends who fueled his dreams and shaped the Rap God’s iconic sound.

1. LL Cool J: The Original Inspiration

For Eminem, LL Cool J was a major influence early in his career. Eminem has repeatedly credited the “I Need Love” rapper for inspiring him to become an MC. LL Cool J’s ability to mix hardcore battle rap with crossover success influenced Eminem’s versatility, pushing him to create radio-friendly hits while maintaining his raw, gritty style. “Without LL Cool J, I wouldn’t be here,” Eminem once admitted.

2. The Raw Power of 2Pac

If there’s one name that repeatedly comes up when Eminem speaks about his influences, it’s Tupac Shakur. The emotional depth and raw storytelling in 2Pac’s music left a lasting impact on Eminem, who has praised the way Pac’s lyrics resonate deeply with listeners. Tracks like “Dear Mama” and “Keep Ya Head Up” showed Eminem how to inject vulnerability into rap, making him realize the power of addressing personal struggles in his songs.

3. Run-DMC: Shaping the Blueprint

Eminem’s early fascination with rap culture was heavily fueled by the legendary group Run-DMC. Their ability to push boundaries while staying true to their roots resonated with the young artist, especially their album Raising Hell, which became a rap classic. Eminem admired their command of the mic, their high-energy performances, and their ability to break through to mainstream audiences.

4. The Craftsmanship of The Notorious B.I.G.

Biggie Smalls, also known as The Notorious B.I.G., was another titan of rap who influenced Eminem’s development. Biggie’s intricate wordplay, ability to weave stories into his raps, and his commanding presence on a track gave Eminem a blueprint for creating his own unique sound. Songs like “Juicy” and “Big Poppa” showcased the balance between flow and storytelling, something Eminem would go on to master in his own right.

5. The Iconic N.W.A.: Bringing Attitude to the Game

Eminem grew up in an era where N.W.A. shook the foundations of hip-hop. Their unapologetic style and rebellious attitude not only shaped the genre but also left a huge impact on a young Eminem. He often cites Ice Cube, Dr. Dre, and the rest of the group as significant influences, especially when it came to breaking boundaries and pushing social commentary through music. N.W.A.’s fearless approach to tackling controversial topics empowered Eminem to address heavy themes like poverty, race, and addiction in his music.

6. Beastie Boys: Innovators Beyond Boundaries

Although known primarily for their party anthems, the Beastie Boys also played a pivotal role in Eminem’s development. As a white hip-hop group, they defied expectations and were unapologetic in their style—something that resonated deeply with Eminem as he navigated his own journey into a genre predominantly dominated by Black artists. Their blend of punk rock and rap helped Eminem feel confident in experimenting with different sounds and aesthetics.

7. The Unexpected Idol: Elton John

One of the more surprising names on this list is none other than pop icon Elton John. Their famous onstage duet at the 2001 Grammys for “Stan” was a turning point in Eminem’s career, helping to solidify his crossover appeal. But beyond the performance, Eminem has expressed admiration for Elton John’s melodies and songwriting. Elton’s ability to infuse personal struggles into music showed Eminem how to expand his emotional range beyond the rap sphere, embracing broader storytelling techniques.

8. Big Daddy Kane: A Lesson in Lyrical Mastery

Known for his smooth flow and rapid-fire delivery, Big Daddy Kane was a technical marvel in rap, and Eminem has often cited him as one of his top influences. Kane’s ability to ride a beat with precision and craft tongue-twisting rhymes inspired Eminem to hone his lyrical ability to dizzying levels. Tracks like “Ain’t No Half-Steppin’” were essential listening for Eminem as he developed his own ferocious, rapid delivery style.

9. The Haunting Poetry of The D.O.C.

Though often overlooked, The D.O.C. left a huge mark on Eminem. His poetic lyricism and smooth delivery, especially on No One Can Do It Better, made Eminem appreciate the importance of clever wordplay and intricate rhyme schemes. Eminem has acknowledged that The D.O.C.’s influence helped him focus on the technical aspects of rapping while maintaining substance in his lyrics.

10. The Fearlessness of Redman

When it comes to comedic, over-the-top lyricism, Redman was a huge influence on Eminem’s persona as Slim Shady. Redman’s playful and sometimes outrageous style was a direct inspiration for Eminem’s alter ego, which allowed him to tackle dark themes with humor. Songs like “Time 4 Sum Aksion” taught Eminem how to blend serious content with a tongue-in-cheek delivery, helping him build a unique niche in the rap world.

Conclusion: A Masterpiece of Musical Influences

Eminem’s career is a testament to the transformative power of musical influences, drawing from the legends who came before him to carve out his own lane in hip-hop. Whether channeling the storytelling genius of 2Pac or the lyrical prowess of Big Daddy Kane, Eminem has always embraced the lessons of his idols while adding his own raw, unapologetic voice to the mix. It’s through this fusion of rap legends and unexpected icons that Eminem has crafted a legacy that stands the test of time.