Lil Wayne, a titan of hip-hop known for his wordplay, recently revealed a surprising fact: he was intimidated by the prospect of working with Eminem.

In an interview with The New York Times, Wayne discussed his collaboration with Eminem on the song “Drop The World” from his 2010 album Rebirth. He admitted, “I was scared when I called Eminem for a song.”

This fear stemmed from a deep respect for Eminem’s lyrical prowess. Wayne referred to him as a “monster” and someone who possesses the same “verbal gift” that he himself has. He elaborated, “He must have the same thing I have with words. We can’t seem to get them out of our minds. All aspects and meanings of them. We hear things that rhyme.”

Despite his initial apprehension, Wayne recognized the potential for a phenomenal collaboration. He knew both their styles were built on intricate wordplay and believed they could create magic together.

“I already know the gift and the curse he has,” Wayne said, hinting at the pressure and expectation that comes with being such a skilled lyricist. “And I love to hear the way he puts it together.”

Ultimately, their collaboration proved successful. Eminem’s verse on “Drop The World” became a highlight of the song, propelling it to radio airplay and solidifying the track as a memorable hip-hop moment.

This story highlights the immense respect that exists within the competitive world of rap. Even legends like Lil Wayne can be inspired and intimidated by the talent of their peers, leading to collaborations that push the boundaries of the genre.