Eminem represented for Detroit last Thursday
at St. Andrew’s Shelter, where battle scenes from the "8 Mile" were
filmed.
Mekhi Phifer, Xzibit, Mitchy Slick, Stronghold
and D-12 joined Eminem on stage as the rapper performed his hit Academy Award
nominated single, "Lose Yourself."
"I just wanted to bring that reality to
life," Phifer told AllHipHop.com of his role in the movie. "I feel
like I’m a cat that portrays life. I’ve been a representative for young Black
men."
Before the concert, organizers held a rap battle
that featured contestants from across the country. MarvOne, who is from Detroit
and is also featured in the "8 Mile" movie, took first place.
"Lady luck was on my side," MarvOne
said. The rapper had some choice words to say about Eminem during his freestyling.
Eminem, who was not rhyming due to a sore throat, ended up coming on the stage
and going toe to toe as well.
"I guess Em felt I was worth a response
[after hearing my rhymes]," MarvOne continued. "Em can’t let the crowd
think he was taking a loss."
While MarvOne was the victor, the true spirit
of hip-hop was shown by the participants, who saw the positive side of just
being in the battle with future heavyweights.
"He was incredible and deserved to win,
but I want the world to know that I repped well too," upcoming rapper Frank
"FR" Ruiz told AllHipHop.com. "Hopefully this can be parleyed
into something bigger."
"It was a decent battle," Proof said.
Mekhi Phifer’s character, Future, was based on the D-12 group member. "There
are some spitters and some that have been listening to the radio too much. But
some of the dudes, I was blown away like ‘Wow!’"
The “8 Mile” DVD is available in stores
tomorrow (March 18). The DVD will feature additional battle scenes and an exclusive
video for "Superman."
