In a recent interview with Montreality, Mike Shinoda of LINKIN PARK shared some intriguing thoughts on a possible collaboration with iconic rapper Eminem. The conversation has ignited excitement among fans of both artists, speculating on what such a collaboration might bring to the music scene.

When asked if he would ever consider working with Eminem, Shinoda was candid and enthusiastic. “The idea of collaborating with Eminem is something that’s… I’ve thought of it before,” he revealed. His admiration for Eminem goes back many years, long before the rapper became a household name. Shinoda reminisced about his early encounters with Eminem’s music: “Actually, the funny thing is I’ve known about Eminem since before he was ever even signed. I had a friend who worked with Rawkus Records back in the day and he gave me a cassette tape of, it was the ‘Slim Shady EP’ [1997].”

Shinoda’s connection to Eminem’s early work is deep-rooted. He recalled listening to the ‘Slim Shady EP’ before it was widely known, even before tracks like “Just The Two Of Us” were reworked into what eventually became “97 Bonnie & Clyde” on ‘The Slim Shady LP.’ He shared vivid memories of Eminem’s raw performances at small venues like The Roxy in L.A., where Eminem’s unpredictable stage antics captivated audiences. “He’d pick up the mic and go crazy. And people loved it, I loved it; he’s always been so great,” Shinoda said.

The prospect of a collaboration isn’t just a distant fantasy for Shinoda. He expressed a genuine interest in working with Eminem, highlighting his respect for Eminem’s talent and artistry. “If the opportunity ever arose, I would definitely… Even if it was a thing where we just did the music and he just did his vocals, I’d be down with that,” Shinoda stated. He emphasized that there’s no competitive element in his desire to collaborate; he simply admires Eminem’s skills and would welcome the chance to create something together.

This openness to new collaborations aligns with LINKIN PARK’s current creative direction. Shinoda noted, “We’re in this mode right where I think our band is very collaborative and very interested in doing different things, and if the right combination of elements arises, I’m open to a lot of things in a lot of different genres.” This willingness to explore new musical territories could pave the way for exciting future projects, potentially including one with Eminem.

The timing of this interview coincides with the release of LINKIN PARK’s latest album, “The Hunting Party,” which debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard album chart in June. This marked the first time since their 2000 debut, “Hybrid Theory,” that the band did not secure the top spot in its first week of sales. Despite this, “The Hunting Party” sold around 110,000 copies in its first week, reflecting the band’s enduring popularity and the continued interest in their evolving sound.

With Shinoda’s expressed interest in collaboration and LINKIN PARK’s current creative openness, fans have much to look forward to. Whether a partnership with Eminem materializes or not, it’s clear that Shinoda and his bandmates are committed to pushing boundaries and exploring new musical horizons.