Guitarist Rayfield “RayRay” Holloman works on stage with Diddy, N.E.R.D and now – Eminem. Topless girls, countless crowds on Em’s shows and his support and goofiness backstage – Holloman has seen it all.
In his conversation with Revolt, the musician shared some fond memories of working with Marshall:
My introduction to Em was me filling in for Adam [Blackstone] playing bass. Adam asked me and it felt like a daunting task because the guitar is my main instrument. To fill in for someone as skilled as Adam on a show with Eminem felt a little daunting at first. I definitely got through it. Once I met Eminem, I saw how cool and down to earth he was. In rehearsals, he’d be cracking jokes. It made me feel comfortable in that space. It was a relaxed atmosphere. He doesn’t make you feel you have to meet a certain standard. As long as you’re doing your job, you’re good. It was awesome to see how someone who is such a legend could be humble and super chill. I’ve seen large crowds at 50,000 seat stadiums and festivals. But, I had never played crowds larger than Eminem crowds. When Eminem does a show, especially overseas, it’s no less than 60,000 in the audience. To be in Milan, look out in the crowd, and there are 98,000 people there, I’m like, “Oh my! He’s a god.” They were all there to see him.
What is the wildest fan reaction you’ve seen at an Eminem show?
I’ve seen a few girls in the crowd topless at Eminem shows. I’m not going to hold you, I love shit like that (laughs). I love when you give it your all and be free. I think it was in Australia when we toured a few years ago. I’ve seen people bare it all out there.
What song during his shows do you feel fans can hear your biggest contribution?
I think one song where the guitar is highlighted would be on the song “The Way I Am.” At the end of that song when he performs it, there’s a guitar solo. It’s a highlight of the show. It’s when Em walks off and allows him to go backstage to take a breath. At the same time, it’s a very dynamic moment musically.
You can read the interview in full on Revolt’s website.
