UPDATED 8/13, 2:50 p.m. ET: Melle Mel has offered an apology for the diss record he dropped aimed at Eminem that was mercilessly dragged by fans on social media.
On Saturday, Mel released a statement via AllHipHop regarding the diss and apologized for falling short with the execution of the record. According to the 62-year-old artist, he acknowledged he was wrong in his judgement and accepted full responsibility for his actions.
“In light of the 50th anniversary of Hip-Hop, my original intention was to contribute an engaging and enjoyable endeavor to enrich the cultural landscape,” Melle Mel said in the statement sent to AllHipHop. “Regrettably, my response fell short in its execution, and I accept full responsibility for the misjudgment. I acknowledge that my perspective was ill-conceived and I am prepared to take ownership of this oversight. It has become evident that Eminem’s dedicated and passionate fan base stands unwaveringly by his side, which is a testament to their genuine admiration and loyalty—a truly commendable aspect.”
He continued, “From the onset, I have consistently recognized Eminem’s exception prowess as an emcee, without reservation. My unfortunate choice of words, suggesting that his success is solely attributed to the color of his skin was in no way reflective of my genuine beliefs. It was an attempt, albeit misguided, to engage competitively within the emcee sphere."
Melle Mel also addressed the changing landscape of hip-hop and acknowledged that not everyone will side with his opinion nor will he always understand others. However, despite having differing opinions, two parties can have mutual respect for one another.
“It is important to acknowledge that the dynamics of Hip-Hop have evolved over distinct eras, and it is inevitable that not everyone will resonate with my perspective, just as I may not fully comprehend others," he added. "Throughout my involvement in shaping the Hip-Hop landscape, the cornerstone has been built upon a foundation of mutual respect, even when personal preferences may differ.”
He then explained that now he will move in a manner that's rooted in respect, saying, “Moving forward, my paramount commitment is to foster an environment characterized by respect in every facet of my endeavors. With utmost sincerity, I convey my best wishes and extend heartfelt appreciation to Eminem for the recognition extended to me during his Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction speech.
“In conclusion, I am keenly aware that Hip-Hop encompasses diverse epochs, and my objective remains focused on promoting a spirit of respect, as we collectively celebrate the 50th anniversary of this influential cultural phenomenon.”
See original story below.
Melle Mel dropped a new diss track aimed at Eminem in response to the shots the Detroit rapper took on Ez Mil's new track, "Realest."
The song, titled "Melle Mel's Response to Eminem's Latest Diss," premiered on YouTube and has the Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five rapper pulling no punches with lyrics aimed at Slim Shady. Mel referred to Eminem as Pee-Wee Herman and advised he respond to The Game, who previously took shots at Em.
"The Top 5 is cap/You the piss that's on the floor in the elevator of rap/Why you ducking on The Game when you shit on my name?" he raps. "Why they put Pee-Wee Herman in the hall of fame? I would give you a pound, but I'd break your hand/I got a lawyer so white, he will take your land/Yo, check your man, come and look at your friend/'Cause I think that Eminem is popping pills again!"
During an interview with The Art of Dialogue in March, Melle Mel attributed Em's success in the rap game to his skin color. According to Mel, Eminem is a "capable rapper" and "sold more than everybody," but a large part of that due to him being white.
"So now if Eminem was another n***a like all the rest of us, would he be Top 5 on that list when a n***a that could rhyme just as good as him is 35? That had records and all that? He's 35. He's white," Mel said at the time.
Eminem caught wind of Melle Mel's comments and proceeded to eviscerate him on "Realest."
"Hip Hop has been good to me, huh/ But when they say that I'm only Top 5 'cause I'm white, why would I be stunned?/ My skin color's still working against me/'Cause second, I should be, to none/Bein' white being why they put me at five (Nope)/That's why they can't put me at one," Eminem rapped.
Em did show love to Mel's origins, but that didn't stop him from going hard. "Shoutout to Furious Five and Grandmaster Flash, but boy/There's someone who really is furious/ Stay out his path, his wrath avoid," he continued on the track. "I'll be the last to toy with a juice head whose brain is half destroyed, like a meteor hit it/ Now with Melle Mel, he lost his ass to 'roids."
