Top 10 Best Eminem Guest Verses

#10: “Don’t Approach Me” Xzibit (2000)

Also in:

Top 10 Eminem Verses

  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 doesn’t 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. It’s slightly comedic but also focused on his real-life issues.   


#9: “Dead Wrong” The Notorious B.I.G. (2000)

Also in:

Daniel Lanois On Working with D'Angelo | Producing Music for Red Dead Redemption 2

  Released after Biggie’s untimely death, this guest spot helped ignite Eminem’s 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. It’s a killer verse, and it has all the lyrical bravado of someone that’s trying to make a name for himself in the rap game.  



 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 it’s like to feel young and helpless, both for himself and for listeners, too. It’s all steeped in pretending, and wishing for something you can’t quite grasp. By the end, Eminem effectively closes off the track with his unique storytelling abilities. 
 


#7: “I Need a Doctor” Dr. Dre (2011)

Also in:

Top 10 Kendrick Lamar Guest Verses

  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 he’s speaking to 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 Grey’s 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.        

#6: “Best Friend” Yelawolf (2015)

Also in:

Top 10 Fastest Rap Verses Ever

  Co-produced by Eminem, this spiritual song concludes with a memorable and extensive rhyme. Technically, it’s a one-verse spot, but the depth and length showcases Mather’s 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 he’s no angel. But on the professional side, Em reminds that he’s one of the legends; an MC that thrives on his inner-strength and ability to handle the pressure, even when life gets most difficult .     

  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.  It’s 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 .      

#4: “Forever” Drake, Kanye West, Lil Wayne and Eminem (2009)

Also in:

Akoben Featuring Gülşah Brett - Forever

  Here’s 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 Em’s creative verse sets himself apart from the competition, along with his hard-hitting delivery . Most importantly, it reminds that he’s an elite MC that can hang with anybody.    


  When this track was released, the one and only Nas famously noted that Eminem “murdered” Jay-Z on his own track. While that’s up for debate, it’s 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 he’s 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 he’s got the same lyrical depth as well .     

  In 2003, 50 Cent made his much-anticipated debut with “Get Rich or Die Tryin.” Although “Patiently Waiting” wasn’t released as a single, it does feature Eminem at his best . First, Mathers appears on the bridge, complementing 50’s 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 . It’s 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 Cent’s skills, but it’s Eminem that ultimately steals the show .      Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.     “Welcome to D-Block” Jadakiss (2004)     “We All Die One Day” Obie Trice (2003)    

#1: “Forgot About Dre” Dr. Dre (1999)

Also in:

Top10 2000s Songs You Forgot Were Awesome

  This single re-introduced a legend and features a legend in the making. Eminem delivers one of hip-hop’s most classic hooks, one that remains relevant even in the new era of rap. Then there’s 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 it’s the Slim Shady show, where he mixes lyrical comedy with some hard-edged rhymes. With respect to Eminem’s guest spot on Dre’s “What’s the Difference,” it’s 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. 
 

So, do you agree with our selections? What is your favorite Eminem guest verse? For more lyrical Top 10s published daily, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.