Ness Lee, the ghostwriter behind Benzino’s infamous “Rap Elvis” diss track aimed at Eminem, has finally spoken out in a new interview.
Lee started his conversation with TRAP NEWZ DAILY by slamming whoever leaked the track. Then, he revealed his initial motivation: “I just wanted to do something historic. I felt like I could accomplish writing the greatest diss song toward Eminem. That’s all I wanted to do.”
Lee distances himself from Benzino’s earlier diss track, “Vulturius”, which disrespected Proof, Eminem’s deceased friend. Lee emphasises his respect for Proof, calling him “my big brother” and revealing Proof’s intention to sign him in 2003. He clarifies that his diss included a “rest in peace” for Proof, a line absent from “Vulturius”.
Now, Lee is frustrated that his involvement became public, fearing it damaged his reputation in Detroit:
It was never supposed to be public that it was me. This is my first interview and probably my only interview about it.
He highlights receiving messages from people upset about the first diss track, assuring them he had no part in it:
I’ve been getting some concerned messages from some of my brothers from Detroit, some people who I don’t even know, that felt some kind of way about the first track, and I had to tell them that I had nothing to do with that one. I physically do not write that basic.
Lee defends the quality of his diss for Benzino, stating he wouldn’t “write that basic” and wouldn’t disrespect Proof himself. He agreed to participate only after being assured there would be “no dumb shit” and “no street involved”.
Lee’s interview did not reveal anything new since everybody realised who had written the diss since a video from the studio had been leaked. However, it sheds light on the behind-the-scenes drama of Benzino’s attempts to keep a feud with Eminem. While Lee tries to distance himself from the more disrespectful aspects of the diss, his involvement has certainly contributed to the whole debacle and enabled Benzino to carry his crusades onto the streets of Detroit. The streets were empty in the absence of Eminem, who was out of town when Zino sneaked into the Motor City to film a video of a song he did not write.
Whatever impact Nes Lee wanted to make, as soon as Benzino signed it, it turned into a mess. Dissing whoever openly could have brought Lee more credit, both for his pen and for his honesty.
Watch the interview below:
