A long-running disagreement between music legends Mariah Carey and Eminem might finally have a clear starting point, thanks to a recent story shared by music producer Damion “Damizza” Young. Young, who has worked with Carey since 1988, says he played a key role in bringing the two artists together, accidentally starting a conflict that lasted for decades.
His version of events, told on the TFU Podcast describes misunderstandings, hurt feelings, and a failed romantic connection. Young’s story begins with Eminem wanting to cast Carey in his first movie, 8 Mile, in 2002. However, the role he offered was not flattering: However, Eminem wanted Carey to play his character’s mother. Carey is only four years his senior.
Young recalled, “She did not like that s–t at all. Her insecurities kicked in big time.” Knowing that Carey had bigger career goals and having previously advised her not to take the role in Glitter, Young warned Eminem that this idea could backfire, according to Page Six.
Eminem may have insulted Mariah Carey first
Despite the warning, Eminem went ahead and made the offer to Carey during a three-way phone call with Young. According to Young, Carey’s reaction was not positive at all; he says her response came from deep personal insecurities. The role eventually went to Kim Basinger instead.
But this was only the start of the trouble. Young tells another story about arranging a meeting between Carey and Eminem in Detroit. He says he left the two alone together and claims they had a sexual encounter. At first, things seemed good from Carey’s side, but Young says the situation quickly turned bad. He claims Carey’s feelings changed after Eminem did things that upset her. This change in their relationship marked a major turning point.
After this supposed romantic encounter, Eminem released several songs attacking Carey, starting in 2002. Tracks like Superman and When the Music Stops made the tension between them even worse. Carey, who has always said their interactions were brief and definitely not a romantic relationship, responded with her own song, Obsessed, in 2009. The music video for the song even included a character meant to look like Eminem. This public exchange made their dislike for each other even more obvious to fans.
Carey’s public comments, like telling Larry King that she only met Eminem four times and never considered it dating, led to more angry responses from Eminem. Carey has been known to hold a grudge, but even her tall ex Nick Cannon has less issues with her than Eminem.
