Kendrick Lamar has firmly established himself as the MVP of rap in 2024 and has been celebrated as Billboard‘s Greatest Pop Star of the Year. Eminem is confident that Lamar’s incredible success will extend into 2025, predicting that his momentum will continue to build and captivate audiences around the world. As both artists are set to compete in the Best Rap Performance category at the upcoming 2025 Grammy Awards, the anticipation is palpable among fans and critics alike.

Eminem has expressed his belief that Kendrick will “sweep” the numerous categories in which he has been nominated, indicating that he expects Lamar to take home all seven of his nominations during the prestigious Grammy ceremony on February 2. This level of endorsement from a fellow rap heavyweight underscores the remarkable talent and influence that Kendrick Lamar has in the music industry today.

Slim Shady, also known as Eminem, and his long-time collaborator Paul Rosenberg recently commemorated the 20-year anniversary of their SiriusXM station Shade45 on Christmas Eve. During a candid interview on the channel with DJ Whoo Kid, Eminem took the opportunity to express his admiration for Kendrick Lamar, acknowledging the profound impact he has had on the rap landscape and the respect he has for his artistry.

“It’s very stiff competition,” Eminem remarked regarding the caliber of his Grammy-nominated peers. He confidently stated, “Kendrick is gonna sweep that sh–. He’s going to, and he should.” This statement not only reflects Eminem’s respect but also the high expectations surrounding Lamar’s nominations this year.

Kendrick Lamar’s impressive Grammy nominations include multiple categories where he shines, notably thanks to his Mustard-produced track “Not Like Us,” which serves as a diss to Drake, as well as his collaboration on Future and Metro Boomin’s chart-topping hit “Like That.” Both tracks have made significant waves, dominating the Billboard Hot 100 charts throughout 2024, showcasing Lamar’s versatility and influence in the industry.

Eminem himself is no stranger to competition, entering the best rap performance category with his latest lead single “Houdini” from the album The Death of Slim Shady. This track is generating buzz as it showcases his lyrical prowess and unique style, further solidifying his place in the rap hierarchy.

Additionally, Eminem has received a nomination for best rap album with The Death of Slim Shady. Interestingly, Kendrick Lamar’s latest album, GNX, will not be in contention for this year’s awards due to its release outside the Grammy eligibility window, meaning it will aim for recognition at the 2026 awards instead. This situation highlights the ever-shifting dynamics of award seasons in the music industry.

Eminem has consistently praised Kendrick Lamar’s exceptional talent, asserting that he stands “at the very, very top tier of lyricists, not just of this generation, but of all time.” This acknowledgment from a rap legend further cements Lamar’s reputation as a transformative artist who has pushed the boundaries of hip-hop.

The two iconic artists shared the stage during the Super Bowl LVI Halftime Show in 2022, which took place in Los Angeles. They performed alongside Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre, showcasing their collective talent and the cultural significance of their music to millions of fans worldwide.

For those eager to hear more, you can listen to the full interview below. Kendrick’s Grammy discussions begin shortly after the 30-minute mark, offering insights into his thoughts and expectations as the awards approach.