Why Did Eminem Ask Mariah Carey to Play His Mother Onscreen?

June 11, 2025: In a surprising behind-the-scenes revelation, music producer Damion “Damizza” Young claims Eminem once wanted Mariah Carey to play his mother in 8 Mile — despite the pop diva being just four years older than the rapper.

During a June 4 episode of the TFU Podcast, Young shared that back in the early 2000s, Eminem’s team reached out to Carey about playing the role of his character’s mom in the semi-autobiographical film. At the time, Young was working closely with Carey and advised her against starring in Glitter — but found himself in another dilemma when Eminem made the unexpected casting suggestion.

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Young said he warned the rapper, “Don’t do this,” referencing Eminem’s then-controversial history with pop stars like Christina Aguilera. But Eminem insisted, saying, “No, I genuinely want her in the movie.”

After some back and forth, the two stars finally got on a call — and that’s when Eminem allegedly dropped the bomb: “I want you to play my mother.”

Young recalled, “She did not like that s— at all. Her insecurities kicked in big time.” Unsurprisingly, Carey passed on the role.

The part eventually went to Oscar-winning actress Kim Basinger, who portrayed the troubled mother of Eminem’s character in 8 Mile, which released in 2002 and became a cultural phenomenon. The film’s theme song, “Lose Yourself,” won the Academy Award for Best Original Song — though Eminem famously skipped the Oscars ceremony.

Reps for both Carey and Eminem have not commented on the resurfaced story.