Hip-hop veterans Ice-T and Eminem shared a heartwarming moment online, reminiscing about their early days in the industry. Ice-T, a West Coast legend, recently posted a video recounting his experience touring with a young Eminem in the early 2000s.

In the video, Ice-T revealed he was a fan of Eminem even before Dr. Dre signed him. He described hearing Eminem’s music for the first time, specifically mentioning a song about putting his girlfriend in a trunk.

The video went on to detail the challenges Eminem faced on the road during their tour together. Ice-T recounted how some white audience members would throw objects and verbally harass Eminem, fueled by racial prejudice. He contrasted this with the respect Ice-T received, highlighting the double standard Eminem faced as a white rapper in a predominantly black genre.

However, Ice-T emphasized Eminem’s resilience and determination. He described how Eminem, despite the constant negativity, kept performing and “paying his dues.” Ice-T recalled a conversation where he asked Eminem what his goals were in the industry. The young rapper’s reply, according to Ice-T, was simple: “I just want to be around like you and Dre.” Ice-T concluded by stating that Eminem achieved his goal of longevity, finding immense success in the rap world.

It took Eminem a few days to respond to Ice-T’s online shout-out. Eminem, notoriously private with only 22.2 million users he follows on the social media platform (formerly known as Twitter), finally acknowledged the post. His response was one of gratitude and humility. He focused on the shared memories, calling Ice-T a “legend” and expressing his love for his fellow rapper.

This online exchange highlights the strong bond between these two hip-hop icons. Ice-T’s early recognition of Eminem’s talent and his support during a difficult period in Eminem’s career is a testament to Ice-T’s character. Eminem’s response reflects his appreciation for Ice-T’s mentorship and the value he places on their shared history.