The son of a Motown founder and a producer in his own right, Redfoo has a good ear for a hit record. So when Eminem’s demo reached his label, Bubonic Records, Redfoo called it “the best demo tape I’ve ever heard in my life”. But he did not think he could do anything for young Marshall.
Recently, Stefan Kendal Gordy, known professionally as Redfoo and famous for his hits with the electro-pop band LMFAO, was a guest on the Danny Rants podcast. Among the many stories he told was one about his unlikely connection with Eminem. Not only did his record label receive an early Eminem demo, but they once shared the stage.
Redfoo was in his hip hop era back then, collaborating with rapper Dre Kroon. By 1997, they already had an album together and had more industry traction than Eminem, who was still struggling to break through. So it was Slim Shady opening for Redfoo, to the shock of a crowd that was apparently not ready for Detroit battle-rap intensity.
Actually, we got Eminem’s demo tape, and someone said, “You should sign Eminem”. I heard this dude and his demo tape. He had “Just the Two of Us” and a couple of his songs that made it to his album. He was an underground rapper, battling. We knew of him from Sway and Tech, this show. We got the tape. I listened to it, and I said, “I don’t know if we have the capability to put out another artist. We’re just working on our stuff”. But I said, “It’s the best demo tape I’ve ever heard in my life. These songs are incredible for hip hop standards”. I just remember that.
And then he even opened up for us, Eminem. Redfoo and Dre Kroon opened up at the Hollywood Athletic Centre. I think I got some videotape of it somewhere. He had two mics. He came and, “I just don’t give a fuck!” I don’t even think he cared about us. He opened up for us, but I think in his mind he had already been talking with Dre. I mean, I don’t want to tell his story. But I believe he had already met Dre at that time, but maybe hadn’t signed yet. And he was doing his rounds to get signed. I think he even had brown hair at that time. He was just hard! Battle rapper, two mics. It was a trip. Then shortly after, I think, he signed with Dre, and then he took off.
If Redfoo finds this footage, he should definitely make it public. So far, very few verifiable early recordings of Eminem performances are available.