Big Sean Tried to Get Eminem on a J Dilla Beat, But He Passed

Big Sean’s attempt to get Eminem to rap over a J Dilla beat may have been unsuccessful, but it sheds light on the intricate world of music collaborations and missed opportunities in the rap game.

In a recent interview with Essence, Big Sean revealed that he had sent an unreleased J Dilla beat to Eminem for their collaboration on the track “Friday Night Cypher” from his 2020 album Detroit 2. Despite Eminem liking the beat, the song never came to fruition.

This isn’t the first time Eminem has passed on a J Dilla production. D12’s Denaun Porter shared that Eminem had originally laid claim to A Tribe Called Quest’s “Get a Hold” beat before it ended up on their 1996 album Beats, Rhymes & Life. The concept Eminem had for the beat was described as “crazy” and had the potential to be a standout track.

While Eminem may have missed out on these J Dilla beats, Big Sean has embraced the legendary producer’s sound in his own music. He recently spit bars over a remix of Slum Village’s “Get Dis Money” and The Pharcyde’s “Drop” for his “Whole Time” freestyle.

As Big Sean gears up for the release of his sixth studio album, fans can only wonder if there will be a surprise collaboration with Eminem or more J Dilla beats in the mix. The dynamic between these Detroit rap legends continues to intrigue and excite hip-hop fans worldwide.