In an unexpected revelation, music executive Damion “Damizza” Young disclosed that Eminem had originally offered the role of his mother in the semi-autobiographical film 8 Mile to Mariah Carey.
This surprising bit of casting news was shared by Damizza during his recent appearance on the TFU Podcast. Damizza stated that Eminem, the Detroit-based rapper, had personally approached him with the idea of Carey playing the role of Jimmy “B-Rabbit” Smith’s mother in the 2002 hip-hop drama.
Despite the fact that Carey was only four years older than Eminem at the time, the rapper was of the opinion that she was the right choice for the emotionally intricate role. Damizza recounted his initial attempt at connecting the two artists. “So I go to Mariah, and I’m like, ‘Look, Eminem wants to meet you,’ and she’s like, ‘No,’” he said.
This discussion took place when Damizza was advising Carey against accepting a role in the critically disliked movie Glitter. Damizza explained that Carey reevaluated her decision after realizing that Eminem was suggesting a film role, not a duet. Despite his initial reservations, Damizza agreed to facilitate a conversation between the two. During this call, Damizza alleges that Eminem stated directly to Carey, “I want you to play my mother.” “She did not like that s**t at all,” Damizza stated. “*Her insecurities kicked in big time.*”
The role of B-Rabbit’s troubled mother ultimately went to Kim Basinger. Her performance, portraying a struggling single parent in Detroit, was widely praised. The 2002 film 8 Mile was a box office success and earned Eminem an Academy Award for Best Original Song for “Lose Yourself.” The film is considered a defining moment in Eminem’s career and a significant contribution to hip-hop cinema.
