Math Hoffa Affirms Eminem's Unbeatable Track Presence, Praises Royce Da 5'9
In a recent interview with DJ Vlad, renowned battle rapper Math Hoffa shared his thoughts on what it takes to compete with Eminem on a track.
Hoffa, known for his insights into the rap game, broke down the complexities of standing out against one of the most technically skilled rappers in hip-hop history.
Hoffa emphasized that trying to match Eminem's signature style is a common mistake.
While Eminem’s rapid-fire flow and intricate rhyme schemes have become legendary, Hoffa believes it's crucial for rappers to stick to their own lane instead of imitating Em's techniques.
“If you get on a track with Eminem, don’t try to do the Eminem s–t. He’s gonna smoke you every single time. I feel LL held his own but don’t get on a tack with Em, doing Em s–t. You heard Rap God? Okay, cool, if I ever do a track with this guy, I’m never rapping fast. I’m gonna focus on something else. This guy is known for this. He does this. Everyday he wakes up in the morning he’s rhyming fast. He just does that s–t. Don’t try to do that s–t with him."
Watch: Math Hoffa Says No Rapper Has Ever Outshined Eminem on a Track
Hoffa then reflected on Jay-Z’s iconic track "Renegade," where Eminem famously outshined him. However, according to Hoffa, it wasn't about Jay-Z’s lyrical content—it was the difference in their flow styles that stood out.
"Take “Renegade,” the big Renegade conversation. Jay didn’t really do him either. He did it as far as content but rhyming style? That was not Jay-Z rhyming pattern. That’s not Jay-Z’s flow. People get on a track with Em and tryin to do Em s–t. No bro, you don’t have to!”
Hoffa also gave props to Busta Rhymes, acknowledging how Busta can keep up with Eminem’s tempo but highlighted the difference in bar structure.
"I love Busta. Busta can do the tempo but the bar structure, nah. When you slow that down and you read it, you gonna be like, ‘oh, that was a punch, oh, that was ill flip.’ Em is doing that fast s–t but he’s also putting in punchlines and s–t. Nah, bro, I don’t think so.”
When asked if anyone has ever truly held their own against Eminem, Hoffa mentioned Royce da 5’9” as someone who stays true to his own style without being overshadowed.
“Closest to getting Em…I’m stuck…Damn, who’d that be? I don’t know. Maybe Royce. Royce would probably the only other person."
Hoffa also praised Young M.A. for her work with Eminem, pointing out that she succeeded by sticking to her own style rather than trying to mimic Em’s complex delivery.
In Hoffa’s eyes, the key to success against Eminem is simple: don’t try to beat him at his own game—just be yourself.