Eminem says Kendrick Lamar will sweep 2025 Grammys

American rap star Marshall Mathers, aka Eminem, has predicted that Kendrick Lamar will dominate the awards at the upcoming 2025 Grammy Awards.

Speaking with DJ Whoo Kid on the SiriusXM show Shade 45 on December 24, the 52-year-old rapper didn’t hold back his admiration for Lamar. Eminem said, “I mean, it’s very stiff competition,” adding, “Kendrick’s gonna sweep that s—. He’s going to, and he should.”

The Grammy showdown will see Eminem, who released his album The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grâce) in July, nominated in categories like Best Rap Album, Best Rap Performance, and Best Music Video. Meanwhile, Lamar, 37, leads the pack with seven nominations, including Record of the Year, Song of the Year, Producer of the Year, Best Rap Song, Best Rap Performance, and Best Music Video, thanks to his November album release, GNX.

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The rivalry between the two is anything but bitter, with both artists sharing mutual respect for each other’s craft.

Eminem, often called “Slim Shady,” has been a vocal supporter of Lamar’s talent for years. During their Super Bowl LVI Halftime Show performance in 2022, alongside Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Mary J. Blige, 50 Cent, and Anderson .Paak, the Detroit rapper described Lamar as “the most electrifying vocalist of this generation” during a chat with SiriusXM’s Sway Calloway.

“I absolutely would agree. Kendrick is at the very top, top tier of lyricists — not just of this generation, but of all time,” Eminem said, as reported by HipHopDX.

Eminem’s praise for Lamar dates back to the rapper’s early days.

In 2016, Slim Shady recalled his first impression of Lamar’s debut with Aftermath Records. Writing for Genius, he said, “When I first heard Kendrick’s debut on Aftermath, I couldn’t believe it. The level of wordplay, deliveries, the beats — it’s just a masterpiece.” He described Lamar’s storytelling ability and intertwining skits as “genius,” calling it a rare feat, especially for a debut album.

Their mutual admiration isn’t one-sided. Lamar, who grew up studying Eminem’s music, has often credited him as a major influence.

In an interview with GQ in 2016, the “Not Like Us” rapper explained how Eminem’s technical precision shaped his own artistry. “The day I heard The Marshall Mathers LP, I was just like, ‘How does that work? What is he doing?’” Lamar shared, adding that Eminem’s impeccable timing and delivery became a blueprint for his growth as an artist.

The pair’s collaboration history includes the 2013 track “Love Game” from Eminem’s album The Marshall Mathers LP 2.

As fans eagerly await the Grammys, the showdown between these two rap giants promises to be unforgettable. Whether it’s Eminem’s seasoned brilliance or Lamar’s lyrical finesse, one thing is clear — hip-hop will take centre stage at the 2025 Grammy Awards.