Eminem’s unlikely, yet unbreakable bond with Elton John sent shockwaves through the world, catching everyone completely off guard. The rap icon, known for his sharp lyrics and tough persona, revealed in a jaw-dropping moment, “I didn’t know he was gay,” turning an unexpected friendship into one of the most talked-about connections in music history.

American rapper and songwriter Eminem talked about his friendship with veteran singer Elton John and how they have been friends for two decades.

Eminem has been an iconic rapper who created some iconic songs like Without Me, Mockingbird, and, Rap God. The rapper has had an unlikely friendship with British singer and songwriter Elton John for the past two decades!

Eminem in the music video Rap God | Credits: Eminem via YouTube

The duo have been great friends ever since they collaborated for the 2001 Grammy Awards. However, Eminem revealed that he didn’t know about Elton John’s sexuality before they became great friends.

Eminem Had Heard About Elton John

With notable songs like Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting, I’m Still Standing, and, Rocket Man, Elton John is a veteran singer-songwriter with millions of fans to his name. Much like Eminem, John too has seen the ins and outs of the music industry.

Colin Firth and Elton John in a still from Kingsman: The Golden Circle | Credits: TSG Entertainment

Thus, a friendship between the two was inevitable but it was also unlikely. Seeing a rapper becoming good friends with a veteran singer was new to people but the friendship has remained strong for over two decades.

In an interview on MTV News, Eminem talked about his friendship with John. The American rapper revealed that he didn’t know that Elton John was gay until after they became great friends.

Of course, I heard of Elton John. I didn’t know he was gay. I didn’t know anything about his personal life. I didn’t really care. But being that he was gay and he had my back, I think it made a statement in itself saying that he understood where I was coming from.

The 8 Mile actor also talked about the moment he hugged and held hands with John.

It was more so just a statement, period. If you really think that about me, you really don’t know Marshall. You really don’t know me.

Their friendship has certainly stood the test of time as the duo went through several ups and downs and personal tragedies together. Elton John is also Eminem’s AA sponsor!

The Rap God singer has openly talked about his addiction to drugs and how it had become a problem for him. The rapper decided to call John when he was in desperate need of help and the singer was more than ready to help!

When Eminem Had a Problem With Drugs

The rapper’s life has been nothing short of problems. From having a troubling relationship with his mother to taking drugs to cope with the pain, Eminem’s career was quite open and controversial.

Eminem in 8 Mile | Credits: Universal Pictures

When the drug use became a problem for him, the rapper called Elton John for help. In a 2009 interview with The Guardian, the Venom singer talked about how John had been a constant source of support for him.

When I first wanted to get sober, I called [Elton] and spoke to him about it. He’s somebody who’s in the business and can identify and relate to the lifestyle and how hectic things can be. He understands … the pressure and any other reasons that you want to come up with for doing drugs.

He further continued,

I reached out to him and told him, ‘Look, I’m going through a problem and I need your advice.’

According to Eminem, Elton John did much more than just offer advice. As mentioned earlier, John became the AA sponsor for The Real Slim Shady singer when he wanted to get sober.

Their friendship has certainly improved over the years after meeting in 2001. The singer and rapper are one of the best examples of friendships in the music industry.