Eminem has a special power to change how other artists think about music. He did this for the singer Lana Del Rey in a huge way. When she first heard his songs she had a major realization. She saw that music could be smart and tell true stories about life, and this idea from Eminem gave her the courage to write her own deep and personal songs.
Lana Del Rey has explained this influence many times. She calls Eminem a “genius” and the “master of lyrics.” His honest way of writing about his own experiences showed her a new path. It made her want to write about real things instead of simple topics. This respect was so strong that even when Eminem used her name in a shocking violent freestyle rap years later, Lana understood it was part of his art and did not get angry.
NME Interviews Lana Del Rey
Fans were often surprised by her calm reaction. They saw that Lana separated the man, Marshall Mathers, from his stage character, Slim Shady, and her continued praise for him proves his artistic impact was much deeper than any temporary controversy.
In another early interview Lana Del Rey goes into more detail about her musical heroes. She directly says Eminem “changed my life.” She explains that before hearing him she did not know music could be so intelligent. She admired how he used words to paint a real picture of his world. When asked if she would ever work with him she broke her usual rule of saying no to collaborations and simply stated, “I love Eminem.”
LANA DEL REY SHARES WHY FRANK SINATRA & EMINEM AS INSPIRATIONS
The story of Eminem’s effect on Lana Del Rey shows his wider influence. He is not just a rapper but a teacher for other artists. He inspired her to find her unique voice by being fearless with his own, and this connection between two different music worlds created something beautiful and new.
To hear more of Eminem’s influential music you can listen to official collections of his greatest hits. They showcase the brilliant songwriting that has inspired so many artists across different genres.