In the world of hip hop, moments of mutual respect and admiration can sometimes feel rare amidst the competition. But for rapper and rising star Latto, an unexpected compliment from one of the genre’s most legendary figures left her starstruck and deeply touched. During their time together as judges on Rhythm + Flow Season 2, Latto was caught off guard by a heartfelt comment from none other than Eminem himself.

The Heartfelt Moment
The show’s “Battles” round set the stage for a brief yet unforgettable exchange between Eminem and Latto. In a candid moment, Eminem turned to Latto, dropped his cool demeanor, and said, “I love you, by the way. You’re fucking incredible. I gotta tell you that.”

While it might have seemed like a fleeting moment for viewers, Latto’s reaction told a different story. Her wide-eyed, flustered expression was clear – this wasn’t just any compliment. This was Eminem, one of the most influential figures in rap, affirming her talent.

The fast pace of the competition meant there was little time for Latto to process the compliment on screen. But recently, in a heartfelt appearance on The Jennifer Hudson Show, Latto reflected on how it truly felt to hear those words from a legend.

“I Was So Gagged!”
Latto, who is no stranger to the limelight, admitted that she was completely caught off guard. “I was so gagged,” she laughed, sharing how she didn’t know how to respond at the time. “I didn’t even know… I was like, ‘Oh, I bombed that. He thinks I’m weird because I just was like, “AH!” I didn’t know what to say!’”

What made the moment even more significant for Latto was the personal connection she felt to Eminem’s music. Growing up, her father was a huge Eminem fan. “My daddy listened to Eminem so much when I was growing up. It’s probably his favorite ever rapper,” Latto explained. To her, hearing those words from Eminem wasn’t just a compliment—it was a full-circle moment that connected her to her roots.

Building the Courage for a Photo
Latto also shared a relatable, human side of the experience: her desire to capture the moment. Despite being completely starstruck, Latto gathered the courage to ask Eminem for a photo later on. She laughed, saying, “He probably thinks I’m a little awkward.”

But who could blame her? The sheer impact of a moment like that would leave anyone speechless, and Latto’s response was completely natural. Her humility and awe reflected a deeper respect for Eminem and what he represents in the world of hip hop.

No Rivalry, Just Respect
For those familiar with the long-standing tension between Eminem and Mariah Carey, the meeting between Eminem and Latto is even more poignant. As Latto mentioned, Mariah Carey is another one of her major influences. Despite their past, Latto’s admiration for both artists shows that newer generations of hip hop and pop stars have learned to appreciate the legacies of these icons, without being influenced by old rivalries.

For Latto, this wasn’t just a fan moment—it was a profound exchange that reminded her of the power of respect between artists. It’s a beautiful testament to how much the new generation of artists looks up to those who paved the way for them, and how admiration can transcend past tensions and rivalries.

In the end, the exchange between Eminem and Latto serves as a reminder of the bonds that unite artists from different generations. Latto’s reflection on the moment is a powerful testament to the influence that artists like Eminem continue to have on today’s music scene. It also highlights the importance of showing love and respect within the industry, no matter where you are in your career.

For Latto, it wasn’t just a compliment—it was a moment of validation and a reminder that hard work and talent don’t go unnoticed, even by the legends themselves.