Moby Defends Eminem as ‘Progressive’ and ‘Smart’ 25 Years After Their 2001 Feud

Moby Reflects on Past Feud with Eminem and Changes in Perspective

Moby, the renowned electronic music artist, has addressed his former feud with rapper Eminem during a recent interview. Published on February 20, 2023, by The Times, the discussion revealed Moby’s evolving thoughts on their tumultuous relationship over the years.

The tension between the two musicians first came into the spotlight during the 2001 Grammy Awards. At the event, Moby, now 60, publicly labelled Eminem a “misogynist, homophobe, racist and antisemite” as the rapper was nominated for multiple awards with his album, The Marshall Mathers LP. Eminem’s subsequent response came in the form of his 2002 track “Without Me,” where he delivered cutting lyrics that dismissed Moby outright, stating, “It’s over, nobody listens to techno,” among other insults.

Despite the vitriol of their earlier exchanges, Moby’s recent comments suggest a shift in his regard for Eminem. “As time has passed, Eminem’s proven himself to be very progressive, very smart,” Moby remarked. He particularly noted Eminem’s outspoken criticism of former President Donald Trump and immigration enforcement, acknowledging the rapper’s significant influence over a fan base that often leans toward conservative views.

Moby emphasised that public figures like himself or actor Mark Ruffalo are expected to speak against controversial political figures like Trump, but he found it more surprising when someone like Eminem takes a stand. “No one’s surprised if Mark Ruffalo or me or whoever speaks out against Trump,” he stated, highlighting the evolving nature of public discourse.

Reflecting on their past feud, Moby had previously expressed his amusement upon first hearing Eminem’s diss track. At the time, he wrote on his website that the rapper’s response only brought him laughter rather than anger. Nevertheless, he stood firm on his philosophical stance against music that condones abuse and discrimination, especially towards impressionable youth.

In 2023, Moby revisited their feud during an episode of Steve-O’s Wild Ride podcast, recalling an incident during an MTV interview where he jestingly speculated about Eminem’s feelings towards him. In hindsight, Moby recognised that his attempt at humour may have aggravated the situation rather than diffusing it. “Maybe he has a very good reason to not like me when I thought I was just being funny, but clearly I’m not,” he remarked, demonstrating a level of self-awareness about their history.

As of February 20, 2023, Moby released his 23rd studio album, titled Future Quiet. He is also scheduled to perform at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in April 2026, marking a continued presence in the music industry.

Through this reflection on his past interactions with Eminem, Moby conveys a message that resonates with many artists today: the importance of growth and the ability to adapt perspectives, especially when confronted with the changing landscapes of culture and political dialogue.

The journey from animosity to admiration illustrates not only personal growth but also the potential for mutual respect among artists, even those who have previously found themselves at odds. As both musicians continue to evolve, it remains to be seen how their paths might intersect in the future, and whether their long-standing feud can ultimately be laid to rest.