What started as a fierce rap battle at The Hip Hop Shop ended with Kuniva earning a spot alongside Eminem in D12.

Before rocking stages together as part of D12, Eminem and Kuniva went head-to-head in a rap battle that left a lasting mark on Detroit’s hip hop scene. On February 17, 1996, 29 years ago, none other than Big Proof, the heart and soul of the Detroit battle scene, was hosting a face-off.

Kuniva, who would later join forces with Em and Proof in D12, took to social media to reflect on that day:

“I wonder if I still look like I seen a ghost?🤣🤣 One of the greatest moments of my life. That loss set me up for the ultimate win…joining D12!”

At the time, nobody could have predicted what was coming next. That battle gives us a glimpse of Eminem’s hunger and skill, which set the stage for his rise in the underground rap world. But for Kuniva, it was also a turning point that eventually led him to become part of the Dirty Dozen.

D12 would dominate the early 2000s with Devil’s Night and D12 World, both of which went double platinum. Their wild antics, sharp lyricism, and undeniable chemistry made them a force in hip hop, winning them awards and worldwide recognition.

While the group became less active after Proof’s passing in 2006, and Eminem later confirmed their disbandment with “Stepping Stone” in 2018 on “Kamikaze”, their legacy remains. And it all started with moments like that fateful night in 1996 — when a rap battle was not just a competition but the beginning of something legendary.

Eminem Lands in IFPI’s Top 10 Best-Selling Artists of 2024

“The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grâce)” helped Eminem secure his place as the second best-selling rapper of 2024, marking his fourth appearance in IFPI’s Global Artist Chart Top 10.

Eminem remains one of the most unstoppable forces in music. The IFPI just revealed its annual list of the world’s best-selling artists, and Marshall Mathers landed at No. 8 for 2024. That makes this the fourth time he has cracked the Top 10, showing that even after decades in the game, his impact is not fading.

His 2024 run was fuelled by the release of “The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grâce)”, an album that had fans dissecting every lyric and debating the fate of his infamous alter ego. Add in hit singles like “Houdini”, “Tobey”, and “Temporary”, and it is no surprise that he held his own among the year’s biggest names.

Eminem was also the second highest-ranked rapper on the list, with only Drake placing higher at No. 2. Kendrick Lamar followed closely behind at No. 9, rounding out a strong showing for hip hop this year.

For someone whose career started in the 1990s, Em’s ability to outsell younger stars is a rare feat. Back in 2021, following “Music to Be Murdered By”, he hit No. 6 on the same chart. Now, four years later, he is still holding down a spot among the best in the world.

The 2024 IFPI Global Artist Chart Top 10:

1. Taylor Swift
2. Drake
3. Seventeen
4. Billie Eilish
5. Stray Kids
6. Zach Bryan
7. The Weeknd
8. Eminem
9. Kendrick Lamar
10. Sabrina Carpenter