Now, thats a behind-the-scenes fact that is terrifying for two reasons. Mali Finn, the casting director, shed go to the clubs at two and three in the morning, and find people with the look. Jones: I think Em kind of came up with a lot of his stuff last-second. Nah, Im cool., MarvWon: I think I actually told him, Yo, why you talking? Mekhi Phifer played Jimmys best friend Future in 8 Mile. Fenelon: In the original script, in the rap battles throughout, itd kind of describe what the gist of it was. Eminem makes it look super easy in real life. So helpful throughout the process. They are the supporting antagonists of the movie, and they haze B-Rabbit's Crew (The 313) in the movie often, both by battle rapping and physical violence. They sent me the script and pretty much outlined where they needed rhymes. Byrd: He went into an evisceration of this dude. And I remember the first time I heard him battle, I couldnt even barely hear what he was saying. Do this. My biggest thing was just trying to be on the same level as Mekhi fucking Phifer.2. She was nominated for Best New Artist at the 2023 Grammy Awards. If you ever want to pump yourself up, just play the song. Eminem: I was told that the mics were going to be off when we were doing the montage scenes of Rabbit coming up through the ranks and we were supposed to pantomime. [10] The single became her breakout hit, peaking at number 95 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, and was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) in the United States. Eminem didn't show up to collect it because he thought he had no chance of winning. The idea was ultimately dropped. [4][5] Prior to doing music, she participated in drag racing. November 8, 2014. The montage was never used. Fenelon: We wanted the feel of a boxing match, or some kind of underground sporting event. He didnt want anyone to know what he was gonna say. But unfortunately, DeAngelo Wilsons career was cut short. Fenelon: Curtis assembled an amazing crew. Craig G: I remember it was still called The Untitled Detroit Project. Alyssa Michelle Stephens (born December 22, 1998), professionally known as Latto or Big Latto (formerly known as Mulatto), is an American rapper and singer. Regarding the contentious decision between B Rabbit and Lotto, I think most judges in 2002 would have picked B Rabbit. One of the greatest things about Eminem, and why everyone gravitates toward him, is that hes not shy about calling anyone out, even himself. Tha Free World are a group of battle rappers (six rappers). Theyd line up 20 extras and say, OK, do these people look right? The movie is a fantastic look at hip-hop and its culture, showcasing how talent can rise from the myriad rap battles that take place in the US. There was a brief chase, but luckily, Rabbit managed to elude the cops. Everybody knew each other. [33], In May 2019, Latto was arrested for theft when she was mistaken for another woman. Fenelon: We tried to shoot the movie as much as possible in [chronological] order. I got a betta chance joining the kkk. Thanks to Detroits economic turndown, the place closed down in 1980, two decades before the filming of the movie. Jones: It was tough Detroit. The actress continued to act in numerous projects throughout the years, including the films A Lot Like Love and Cold Mountain. But the actual building itself was demolished in 2009, seven years after 8 Mile came out. Do you ever wonder what an 8 Mile sequel would have looked like? Being up there hosting and feeling that energy, it just felt special. Although his hard work and dedication brought the rapper success, acknowledgment, and money, his overwhelming schedule began to take a toll on him. Hed done Amores Perros, and thats the kind of kinetic energy and naturalism and realism that Curtis wanted to have in the movie. Jigga teams up with State Property frontman Freeway for "8 Mile and Runnin'" while Nas's song, "U Wanna Be Me . We wanted [Eminem] to go through the emotional arc in order. /. Craig G (rapper, consultant): The feel of that movie was so authentic. Jones: Mekhi was hilarious as the MC. Proof went to him to get the money for that. He actually started working on a second 8 Mile where a boxer loses custody of his daughter and tries to get her back. Well, that thought came to the mind of highly sought-after director Kurt Sutter (who created the Sons of Anarchy series). Plus, the title was undecided until it was almost completed and was worked under the name Untitled Detroit Project. They made the right choice going with 8 Mile. B-Rabbits freestyle battle against Lotto. Mekhi Phifer: A lot of that stuff was off-the-cuff improv. We were doing 16 hours on the set, and you had a certain window where you had to sleep. Strike: I didnt know anything he was gonna say. Idk he did decent and i think he won them but not by much, what ould have happened is the footage would have gone viral with some cringy title like "white guy embraces the negativity and captures the crowd (emotional". Fenelon: There was a real desire to have these battle sequences feel real. He portrays the rapper who battles Rabbit at the food truck. [14] On the same day, Latto was featured on NLE Choppa's single "Make Em Say", taken from his debut studio album, Top Shotta. Motherfuckers would be like, Yo, your character sucks, so we just added this. An oral history of the 8 Mile rap battles. Hes acting for the first time, hes basically in every single scene, he was raising his daughter, he had relatives in town, he had to do the soundtrack album, he had to constantly come up with lyrics. He was just 28 years old at the time, making him the second actor from 8 Mile to lose their life far too soon. We got together over the weekends before we actually started shooting the scenes, to fine-tune it. It wasnt in the cards. Byrd: The energy was electric. We would have some more fun for sure, the actor added. He lost to Lotto clear. TIX ON SALE FRIDAY t.co/SPJv0LcGLz t.co/1RcKvvsSvN", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Latto&oldid=1142459249, Episode: "Take It to the House"; credited as "Miss Mulatto", Episode: "Can Tokyo Save The Day With This Look? I sent him a bunch of clothes, a bunch of footage of the parties. Eminem: I remember that the script always ended in a battle since the beginning. [Laughs.] The first line rebuttal and the finisher were both standout lines, and individual moments counted for so much more back in the freestyle era. 8 Mile Drama 2002 1 hr 50 min English audio R CC Buy or rent Rap icon Eminem stars in this semi-autobiographical tale of a white kid struggling in the hip-hop scene of 1995 Detroit. It was animosity in the air a little bit. Quentin Tarantino wasnt as close as Boyle, but rumor has it that Tarantino was extremely interested in working on the film. The album peaked at number 44 on the US Billboard 200. Holton was first known as . As it turned out, this eerie rumor was just that, a rumor. And I had a verse that wasnt specifically for him, but, you know what Im saying, it fit. Strike: That was it. Yo, it's time to get rid of this coward right here once and for all, Yo, I'll spit a racial slur, honky, sue me, The shit is a horror flick, but the black guy doesn't die in this movie, That makes me believe you really don't have an interest in livin'. As we mentioned, Mackie went on to have an impressive acting career in Hollywood, and it all started with Slim Shady. During one famous scene in 8 Mile, B-Rabbit and his buddies drive around with a paintball gun. In order to truly appreciate Rabbits rap battle victory, audiences first watch him choke and lose a battle. Genius is the ultimate source of music knowledge, created by scholars like you who share facts and insight about the songs and artists they love. Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and Safety Information/Your California Privacy Rights/Children's Online Privacy Policy are applicable to you. Rosenberg: I wouldnt think that any screenwriter in their right mind would try to pen freestyle battle lyrics. When he got Lotto Tank top screaming, Lotto, I dont fit you! Listen, man, at that point right there, I was like, Yo, dont nobody fuck with the white kid. And I dont care how many times I see it I always remember how exciting that was. Carol Fenelon (executive producer): We went to Detroit three months before we started shooting. you think these niggas gonna feel the shit you say. Everyone was under the weather. Rodrigo Prieto has become one of the top five cinematographers working today. Not literally in story, but a good fit for him, Peter exclaimed. The ongoing feud between the two resulted in diss tracks from both parties with insults about drug use, homosexuality, and past experiences from the show. The best Star Wars characters in the galaxy - and without a Jar Jar Binks in sight. You not on his level.. People who had a certain street credibility and talent. But the rapper never worked at a hotel either. Fenelon: We rehearsed. Knowing how demanding and hectic life was for the rapper while filming the movie, Eminem decided to never take a starring role in a movie or show since 8 Mile. Much respect to Curtis Hanson he pulled us in the back: If you guys dont get this shit right now, Im gonna remove you out the whole fucking movie. He straightened us out real quick. Imo overall, eminem's rhymes in 8 mile were a bit weak. Rosenberg: [Hanson] wanted someone that had a lot more experience, especially because he had to balance off of Marshall, who had no experience. In 8 Mile, DeAngelo Wilson starred as Jimmys friend and Sols brother, DJ Iz. Miller: It was hype. Craig G: They had them come meet me at the hotel, they showed me their rhymes that they changed or whatever. In hindsight it makes sense, but back then we were bummed. And nobody is gonna try to write raps for Eminem. I forget his name. The creativity in the hit song sums up the struggles that Eminems character is dealing with and how they relate to Eminems real life. [22][23], In May 2021, she confirmed in various interviews that she had officially settled on a new stage name, following scrutiny for the racially charged nature of her name. In May 2019, she was invited to perform at the Rolling Loud, an annual hip hop festival, located in Miami, Florida. 8 Mile is a 2002 semi-biographical hip-hop drama film starring Eminem. Confidential. But as he was listening to other people spitting out lyrics, Slim Shady stepped in to do what he does best. I was fucking terrified: I mean, who the fuck am I to pitch a hip-hop movie to Dr. Dre? People were so excited. Great movies you can stream on Amazon Prime Video now. Jones: Even if you had heard it before, the bars were so complex that you were reacting every time you heard it. In 8 Mile, he meets his love interest, Alex (played by Brittany Murphy), at work. Cause hes fast and he likes to fuck a lot!, [Intro: Nashawn 'Ox' Breedlove (as Lotto)]. Then I got a two-way from Paul, like, Come to Detroit, we need you to coach some of the actors. Im like, bet. You choose digits for your favorite lotto, you make a payment and they buy a ticket on your behalf. Her mother is white and her biological father is African American. Strike: We was joking around on the mic. [20], In February 2021, it was announced that Latto would be named MTV's Global Push Artist of the month. After releasing her 2019 single "Bitch from da Souf", Latto signed with RCA Records. In Southpaw, Eminem would have played a boxer who hit the big time but gradually lost his way. At that time I was in the streets, carrying guns. And sometimes that was followed, and sometimes it was discarded by the rappers who were actually going to be doing the scene. Strike [who played Lyckety-Splyt, Eminems first-round battle competitor] was somebody local who was friends with a lot of people from the same scene, who had that sort of authenticity. Thankfully, 8 Mile specifically, its heart-pumping, near-pitch-perfect finale, explored here in full came along and forever immortalized the citys grimy scene. All the drama pretty much forced Jimmy into being responsible for raising his younger sibling. He was such a professional. Paul Rosenberg (Eminems manager and executive producer): Before we put the camera up to shoot one frame, we took everybody around the city, to all the spots that the story was based on. When Em battled, Proof wouldnt, and vice versa: They never went at each other. Silver: Just as an aside [Dr.] Dre was a producer on the movie, and I had to pitch him, too. Latto received nominations for Best New Hip Hop Artist at the 2020 BET Hip Hop Awards and Top Rap Female Artist at the 2022 Billboard Music Awards. Latto, under the stage name "Miss Mulatto" at the time, was the overall winner of the competition. Please play responsibly. He doesn't really say anything memorable in that round. B-Rabbit actually chokes and leaves. You gotta get to that moment in the end: Fuck you, you dont define me. The single "Response Diss" is a diss song directed toward Young Lyric, a fellow competitor from The Rap Game. [6], In 2016, Stephens became a contestant on the Lifetime reality series The Rap Game, produced by Jermaine Dupri and Queen Latifah. 8 Mile can be described or thought of as a semi-autobiographical account of Eminem in a 1995 Detroit setting. In 8 Mile, B-Rabbit lives in a run-down trailer home with his mother, who has her own set of issues. And its always helpful when the best scene in the movie happens at the end. MarvWon: He wasnt supposed to rap against [me]. The iconic beats used in the scenes Showbiz & AGs Next Level (Nyte Time Mix), Onyxs Last Dayz, and, in the climactic battle, Mobb Deeps Shook Ones (Part II) were selected by Rosenberg. Unfortunately, things didnt work out with Eminem as the lead, and the project fell through. Eminem: I only had to come up with some of the other rappers lines so that my replies would tie in. [31], In 2021, Latto founded the Win Some Give Some Foundation to to empower at-risk young women by providing them resources and support to achieve a lifetime of success.[32], In 2017, Latto opened her own store, Pittstop Clothing, in Jonesboro, Georgia. This is who I am. And I like that, at the end, he goes back to work. His journey to fame was a little different than that of his 8 Mile counterpart, who was far from famous, in 1995. I thought this guy hadnt done a movie in a number of years; this might be interesting to him, and dare I say, a sequel to 8 Mile. That was one of those rare moments of inspiration: How about Cheddar Bob, this really dumb character, tells him exactly what the guy is gonna say? The song entered the Billboard Hot 100 in August 2020, peaking at number 95. Mekhi Phifer nearly passed on the movie because he was asked to fly to Detroit two days after the 9/11 attacks in New York. That was kind of like, Wait a minute this is a movie moment. But some dude spit something and the crowd actually liked it. Discussion, Battles and Media for the international battlerap community, Press J to jump to the feed. The atmosphere in the rap battles was so intense and went on for so long that several extras passed out or threw up during filming. Miller: That movie is permanently etched in my mind. Rosenberg: Marshall treated the filming of the battle scene like it was real battle. Danny Boyle was in early discussions to direct but his vision for the film didn't match Eminem's as well as Curtis . He was really wracking the brain. But how the battle actually went and what rhymes were used was pretty much open. But Em wasnt supposed to talk because his voice was raw. When you click through the links on our site and make a purchase we may earn a commission. You know: Im trying to get on but this aint working for me. And thats all a bad mix. For example the line where he says: "I ain't hear a word you said. The Man, the Legend, the Ladies Man: Gene Simmons Got Around, How Every Picture Tells a Story Launched Rod Stewart Into Superstardom, Backstreets Back Alright: The Truth About the Iconic 90s Boy Band, Some of the Most Popular Songs Ever Made Were Written About the Same Woman. He then overdosed later in that period. People were generally a bit sniffy when rapper Eminem decided he was going into movies, expecting something a bit Ja Rule or Vanilla Ice. Here are 15 things to know about 8 Mile Eminem was asked by director Curtis Hanson to dye his hair back to its natural brown.