Dreamville rapper confirms early 2021 recording as Em’s album surprises at AMAs
JID’s standout verse on “Fuel” from Eminem’s 2023 album The Death of Slim Shady was recorded long before fans ever heard it — according to the Dreamville lyricist, the collaboration sat unreleased for over three years.
In a now-deleted reply to a fan on X, JID revealed he laid the verse back in 2021, referencing that year’s NFL Draft. “Years before it dropped, whatever year Kellen Mond got drafted,” he wrote. The former Texas A&M quarterback, who was selected by the Minnesota Vikings in 2021, is named in JID’s verse:
“All of my n-ggas gon’ ride with it / In the pocket, the rocket like Kellen Mond.”
The revelation adds even more intrigue to one of the most celebrated features on Em’s recent project, which has also stirred conversation with its unexpected award season success.
At the American Music Awards, Eminem took home both Favorite Hip Hop Artist and Favorite Hip Hop Album, edging out heavy competition, including Kendrick Lamar. The result shocked many — including Kai Cenat, who livestreamed his disbelief, saying: “I f*** with Slim Shady but let’s be real.”
Em is also making noise in Hollywood again, appearing briefly in the trailer for Happy Gilmore 2. According to Adam Sandler, the rap icon “was funny as hell” and ad-libbed “a million things we can use.”
