Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy has been urged by Eminem, following his rendition of Eminem’s track “Lose Yourself” at the Iowa State Fair, to desist from using the artist’s music for his campaign. BMI, a performing rights organization, acting on Eminem’s request, has communicated to Ramaswamy’s campaign that it will cease licensing the rapper’s music.
The missive, dated August 23, states that Eminem, whose real name is Marshall B. Mathers III, raised objections to the utilization of his musical creations in the Vivek Ramaswamy campaign.
The letter, initially reported by the Daily Mail, arrived over a week after Ramaswamy concluded his appearance at the Iowa State Fair alongside Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds. During this appearance, Ramaswamy spontaneously performed a karaoke version of Eminem’s well-known song, flawlessly rapping the initial verse and chorus. At the event, he informed Reynolds that “Lose Yourself” was his favored exit track for campaign events.
In response to the demand to discontinue using Eminem’s music, campaign spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin has stated that the campaign will adhere to the request.
“Vivek confidently took to the stage and expressed himself,” McLaughlin stated, alluding to one of the rapper’s lyrics. “Much to the nation’s disappointment, we will have to leave the rapping to the true Slim Shady.”
On Monday, Ramaswamy lightheartedly addressed the letter on social media, replying to a post that commended his seemingly “cool” demeanor in comparison to Eminem.
“Will the genuine Slim Shady please make an appearance? He didn’t just utter what I presume he did, did he? @Eminem,” he posted on X, previously known as Twitter, referencing another of the rapper’s songs.
At 38 years old, Ramaswamy is the youngest aspirant in the presidential race and has capitalized on his youth to underscore his potential to engage with a more youthful, diverse cohort of voters in contrast to his Republican contenders.
