Icewear Vezzo Gives His Perspective on Skilla Baby's Eminem Comments
Icewear Vezzo recently shared his thoughts on Skilla Baby’s assertion that many in Detroit do not regard Eminem as the greatest rapper of all time.
During an interview with The Breakfast Club, Vezzo expressed both admiration for Eminem and an understanding of the generational divide in musical tastes that influences how artists are perceived.
- Related News: Skilla Baby Claims Eminem Isn't Detroit's Greatest Rapper: ''Nobody in Detroit Is Playing Eminem''
Vezzo reflected on his earlier remarks regarding the perceived lack of support young Detroit rappers receive from established figures in the industry.
This topic sparked significant conversations, leading Royce 5'9" to remind emerging artists that they must carve their own paths and that success is not guaranteed by the legacy of those who came before them.
Vezzo acknowledged that while he has softened his stance since then, sentiments of resentment linger.
Icewear Vezzo Addresses Skilla Baby’s Take on Eminem Not Being Detroit’s GOAT
"I never wanted to speak against Eminem publicly. But I just couldn’t contain my thoughts and how I felt. I feel like I do so much for the city, I do so much for the community that I grew up in, and he grew up in, and a lot of people grew up in, and that support isn’t there from certain artists, especially people like Em."
Despite recognizing Eminem’s impact on Detroit's hip-hop scene, Vezzo expressed disappointment over the lack of personal contact and mentorship he sought from the legendary rapper.
"I’ve never been a guy that’s like, Em ain’t did nothing to put nobody on from the city. He doesn’t owe nobody nothing, absolutely nothing, at all. And respectfully, he did what he needed to do. He did that for his era. If it was not for Em, there would be no Proof. There wouldn’t be a D12. It wouldn’t be Royce da 5’9. He did what he had to do. We admire everything about Em so much, and he inspired us so much. ”
Moreover, Vezzo resonated with Skilla Baby's viewpoint on the generational gap surrounding musical preferences.
"It was true what Skilla said. He got some flack for that, too, didn’t he? I don’t understand; it’s true; it’s what it is. Put it like this: Is the youngest in New York listening to Jay-Z? Probably not. It’s the same scenario. It’s a generational gap. It’s all good. The youngest in Detroit don’t really understand Jay-Z. They don’t get it. They don’t care about that music either."
Ultimately, Vezzo's comments emphasize the ongoing evolution within the Detroit rap landscape.
While many up-and-coming artists recognize Eminem's legacy, a segment hesitates to delve into the history of the genre, believing they can establish their careers independently.
Nevertheless, Eminem's influence remains unparalleled in the city’s rich hip-hop culture.