In 2017, when Eminem drew a line in the sand between himself and fans who align themselves with the opposite end of the political spectrum, he wasn’t lying.
That’s a lesson that Republican Presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy has now learned firsthand.
Ramaswamy, The 38-year-old GOP hopeful, was handed a cease and desist letter from Slim Shady after using the hit song “Lose Yourself” on the campaign trail.
Eminem has requested BMI to revoke the Ramaswamy campaign license to use the “8 Mile” soundtrack standout or any other song from the Detroit rapper’s extensive catalog.
On Aug. 23, Ramaswamy’s campaign received the letter which reads in part, “BMI has received a communication from Marshall B. Mathers, III, professionally known as Eminem, objecting to the Vivek Ramaswamy campaign’s use of Eminem’s musical compositions.”
“BMI will consider any performance of the Eminem Works by the Vivek 2024 campaign from this date forward to be a material breach,” the letter continued.
11 days prior to the letter, Ramaswamy attempted to perform the song at the Iowa State Fair. The pharmaceutical entrepreneur turned political candidate awkwardly attempted to recite the lyrics, fumbling over the iconic opening verse and struggling to maintain his breath.
On Tuesday, Ramaswamy was asked about the legal roadblock presented by an artist he credits as an inspiration for his college rap persona, “Da Vek,” in an appearance on MSNBC. While he told host Andrea Mitchell that he’d “respect his wishes,” Ramaswamy added that Eminem was no longer “a guy who actually stood up to the establishment,” and that he hoped “that one day he will rediscover the renegade that made him great.”
