Eminem Needed Mariah Carey to Play His Mom in ‘8 Mile’, Producer Claims

Eminem reportedly had a imaginative and prescient of household for a film with Mariah Carey.

In the course of the June 4 episode of the TFU Podcast, music producer Damion “Damizza” Younger claimed the “Method I Am” rapper, 52, needed Carey, 56, to play his mom in 8 Mile, regardless of the five-time Grammy winner being simply 4 years his senior.

Younger, who first labored with Carey when he produced her 1998 single “I Still Believe” that includes Krayzie Bone and Da Brat, mentioned he’s answerable for introducing the “Obsessed” singer and Eminem. 

In line with the trade veteran, Carey had not too long ago launched “Heartbreaker” with JAY-Z and was doing nice in her profession, however expressed that she was now fascinated with taking over a film position.

Younger mentioned he was within the technique of advising her towards signing on to do Glitter, because it was an impartial movie, when he acquired a name from Eminem’s camp with the 8 Mile provide, which he additionally didn’t essentially approve of. 

Referring to the chance as Carey’s “Achilles’ heel,” Younger felt he was at a crossroads.

“’If I don’t say one thing after which it comes one other route within the enterprise or one thing, then I’m the unhealthy man,’ ” he mentioned of his thought course of, and the rationale he in the end made the introduction between the 2 stars.

“So I am going to Mariah, and I’m like, ‘Look, Eminem desires to satisfy you,’ and she or he’s like, ‘No,’ ” he mentioned of his first try. Nonetheless, as soon as Younger advised her it was for a film, she allegedly requested for the “With out Me” rapper’s quantity. 

Younger claimed he pleaded with Eminem, saying, “’Don’t do that. I do know the place you’re going with this,’ ” making point out of his history with Christina Aguilera. “I’m managing this lady, and it’s gonna trigger me an issue,” he warned. 

Eminem allegedly replied, “’No, I genuinely need her within the film,’ ” the music producer recalled.

With all three lastly on a name to debate the position, Younger mentioned Carey was advised, “’I would like you to play my mom.’ ”

“She didn’t like that s— in any respect,” Younger mentioned. “Her insecurities kicked in massive time.”

Academy Award winner Kim Basinger, now 71, was in the end forged within the position of Eminem’s alcoholic mom.

Reps for Carey and Eminem didn’t instantly reply to PEOPLE’s request for remark. 

Launched in 2002, 8 Mile relies on Eminem’s personal life as an aspiring Detroit rapper. The movie reveals his character, B-Rabbit, navigate the underground rap battle scene earlier than discovering success. 

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The late Brittany Murphy starred as his love curiosity, Alex. Anthony Mackie, Mekhi Phifer and Taryn Manning additionally seem within the musical drama.

“Lose Your self” — which grew to become a No. 1 hit — gained the Oscar for Greatest Unique Tune from the movie. Eminem famously skipped the 2003 ceremony, nevertheless.