Eminem And Lil Wayne Finally Collaborate

Eminem and Lil Wayne join unite on “No Love.”

Before Eminem’s 2009 “comeback” album Recovery, the nature of the relationship between Em and Wayne did not have one obvious meaning.. Em reflects on “Talkin’ To Myself” that he “almost made a song dissing Lil Wayne,” over Weezy’s surging popularity and rising status as a potential GOAT. Around the same time, Wayne spoke about Em in an interview, alluding to the fact that Slim Shady was afraid to get on a track with him. While Wayne’s comments led to 50 Cent taking up lyrical arms against him, Em stayed silent on the issue, working on overcoming his baggage and getting his mind right.

Somewhere along the lines, both rappers decided they were better off together, and Wayne became the only guest on Recovery to provide a verse. On their first collaboration, the Just Blaze produced “No Love,” both rappers dropped lengthy verses with the sparks of friendly competition in the air. Wayne began things with a momentum builder, and once the drums kick in, he’s delivering some of the classic Wayne wit and flow that set him apart from his mates.

However, Eminem ultimately ends up outshinning him with an aggressive and confident verse. Recovery found Eminem newly sober and honing a different style, which somewhat birthed a more intense delivery and a reliance on questionable punchlines. Still, his poise on No Love is that of a master, who has spent long years honing his craft.

It’s hard to make a song best known as the soundtrack to Will Ferrell and Chris Kattan’s Roxbury escapades sound hardcare, but Just Blaze does an amazing job with the sample. “Monopoly board” line aside, Em secures himself as one of the game’s best, and Wayne holds his own as an admirable contender.

If you’re going to revisit Recovery anytime soon, this is one of the album’s more immediate tracks.