Republican presidential hopeful Vivek Ramaswamy reacts as he arrives at a campaign stop in Council Bluffs, Iowa, on Aug, 5, 2023. [Image: Charlie Neibergall for Associated Press]
GOP presidential hopeful Vivek Ramaswamy recently found himself in a musical showdown after making headlines for his on-stage performance of Eminem’s iconic track “Lose Yourself” at the Iowa State Fair.
The incident resulted in Eminem requesting him to stop using his songs in campaign events, in a cease-and-desist letter delivered to him through the music rights management company BMI.
Speaking on the matter, Ramaswamy has humourously referenced Eminem’s lyrics, stating, “I think I’ll respect his wishes, but I would just say: Will the real Slim Shady please stand up?”
The candidate has acknowledged that Eminem’s anti-establishment messaging resonate with him, recalling the rapper’s ability to challenge the status quo back in the day.
“Eminem, in his rise, used to be a guy who actually stood up to the establishment and said the things that the establishment didn’t want him to say,” he said during an interview on Andrea Mitchell Reports.
GOP presidential hopeful Vivek Ramaswamy seen rapping at the Iowa State Fair on August 12, 2023. Eminem has barred him from using his songs in his campaigns. [Image: Getty Images]
“I think the fact that my political viewpoints may differ from his, I think people change over the course of their lives, but I have hope for him that he will one day rediscover the renegade that made him great and I’m rooting for that success in his life.”
Despite differing political viewpoints, Ramaswamy has expressed hope that Eminem will rediscover the spirit that fueled his early success and wished the rapper well in his endeavours.
A spokesperson for Ramaswamy has indicated that the GOP presidential candidate will comply with Eminem’s wishes, adding that he will also no longer be performing his songs.
Tricia McLaughlin, the campaign’s spokesperson, has said that they will “leave the rapping to the real Slim Shady,” implying that Ramaswamy’s musical endeavours will be set aside.
“To the American people’s chagrin, we will have to leave the rapping to the real slim shady,” he told NBC News in a text message, the broadcaster reported on Wednesday, August 30.
This comes at a time when Ramaswamy’s popularity is considered to be on the rise, following his performance in last week’s first Republican debate in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
The event was snubbed by former President Donald Trump, the leading GOP nomination contestant.
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