In a new interview, Fredwreck praised Eminem’s dedication, broke down why “The Death of Slim Shady” stands out for him, and recalled a memorable meal.
Fredwreck, Grammy and Emmy-winning producer, one of the first Palestinian Americans in mainstream hip hop, and the man behind hits for Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, 50 Cent, Ice Cube, Britney Spears, and more, sat down with the Habibi House Podcast to talk about everything from music to politics.
When the conversation turned to Eminem, Fredwreck made it clear he was not going to spill personal details just to cash in on the connection. But professionally, he had plenty to say:
He’s just great to work with. As a producer who makes beats, you always want to have somebody really good rapping on your beats. And he’s so dedicated to what he does. And that’s what I love about him. He’s an actual student. Even though he’s the GOAT, he’s a student of hip hop. He knows every rap lyric, every song from Sugar Hill Gang on out. And that is inspiring. He’s in that book every day, he’s writing in that. There used to be kids in my school when hip hop first started, they’d have graffiti books or they’d have rhyme books. He’s that kid with the rhyme book. And he carries a backpack stacked with rhyme books. He’s so dedicated and inspiring. He’s the greatest of all time.
Fredwreck does not see Eminem slowing down anytime soon. He thinks Marshall could go “as long as the Rolling Stones do” if he still feels inspired, and points to “The Death of Slim Shady” as proof that the creativity is still flowing.
He’s still making great records. “The Death of Slim Shady” was probably one of my favourite records of him. Who would have thought that he’s going to kill himself in his own record? People were hitting me up like, “Is that AI?” I’m like, “No, that’s him doing it. He’s doing the old voice”. There’s no studio tricks.
And yes, Eminem not only knows Fred’s parents personally but has also tried Fred’s mom’s cooking.
In fact, he has had her grape leaves, and Fred often brings him fresh eggs from the family’s chickens when heading to the studio.
“Let’s just keep it at that”, Fredwreck laughed, wrapping up the conversation about Em.
