On this day, June 14, in hip-hop history…

em_royce
loading...

2011: With the exception of Dr. Dre, Eminem’s landmark debut, The Slim Shady LP (1999), featured just one guest appearance – Em’s fellow Detroit wordsmith, Royce da 5’9". On the album’s penultimate track, “Bad Meets Evil," Slim Shady and Royce da 5’9” trade verses in a lethal display of lyrical dexterity. The duo leaves the track smoldering, and Royce ends the song by giving listeners a foreshadowing: See you in hell for the sequel…

Thirteen years later, the long-awaited sequel arrived. In the decade that passed following The Slim Shady LP, both Eminem and Royce da 5’9” evolved separately as artists. Hell: The Sequel, however, proved that Slim and Royce were still one of the most lethal duos in hip-hop. In addition to reuniting two of hip-hop’s most formidable talents, Hell: The Sequel became the first group EP to debut at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart.

While the track “Bad Meets Evil” showcased two young, raw, hungry, and extremely talented MCs, Hell: The Sequel displayed two tested veterans at the top of their game.—Chisom Uzosike

More From XXL