Eminem Takes Aim: “Smack You” Leak Resurrects Old Beefs with Suge Knight and Ja Rule

In an unexpected twist, a long-lost Eminem diss track titled “Smack You” has surfaced online, reigniting memories of one of hip-hop’s most turbulent eras. Reportedly recorded in the mid-2000s, the track sees Slim Shady unleashing scathing bars at two of his most infamous adversaries: Suge Knight, the co-founder of Death Row Records, and rapper Ja Rule.

The Return of a Fiery Slim Shady

While Eminem has mostly moved past his diss-heavy days—choosing instead to focus on positivity and growth—the leak of “Smack You” offers a glimpse into a time when he was at the peak of his feuds. The track arrived two decades after its creation, proving that even buried tracks from Eminem’s vault hold the power to shake the hip-hop world.

The venomous lyrics target Suge Knight with ruthless precision, as Em speculates on the long-circulating rumors surrounding Suge’s alleged involvement in the deaths of Tupac Shakur and The Notorious B.I.G.. “I guess Suge’s responsible for the deaths of the two greatest rappers to ever walk this planet,” Eminem raps. “If only the late, great Christopher Wallace could speak for himself—he’d tell you the same.” He doesn’t stop there, adding, “I suppose Suge’s to blame for Ja Rule’s demise too… or anyone else at Row.”

The track also borrows its hook from Tupac’s “Against All Odds,” further cementing its ties to past controversies and adding another layer of raw intensity to its narrative. Eminem even vows to “expose the truth,” no matter the cost.

Revisiting the Eminem vs. Ja Rule Feud

Although Suge Knight takes a significant share of the heat, “Smack You” primarily serves as another jab in the long-standing feud between Eminem and Ja Rule. This bitter rivalry, which stemmed from 50 Cent’s beef with Ja, saw Eminem stepping in and escalating the conflict with his razor-sharp lyricism.

From the very first line, Eminem delivers scathing insults aimed at Ja and his Murder Inc. partner, Irv Gotti. “I guess Irv’s responsible, the Cookie Monster of rap,” Eminem sneers. He then takes a darkly humorous jab at Ja Rule, referencing a controversial line involving his daughter, Hailie Jade: “Won’t give back the Oscar trophy for Hailie—they lost it somewhere inside Ja Rule’s a**.” The insult plays on Ja Rule’s supposed insecurity and adds fuel to the already fiery rivalry.

A Look Back at Eminem’s Diss Track Legacy

Hearing a diss track like “Smack You” two decades after its creation feels like a time capsule of the early 2000s—a period when rap feuds were at their most intense. Eminem’s ability to dismantle opponents with surgical precision was unmatched, and “Smack You” is no exception.

This leak serves as a stark contrast to Eminem’s current trajectory. In his 2023 track “Guilty Conscience 2,” the rap legend reflected on his history of beefs, expressing a desire to move past conflicts and embrace a more positive outlook. Yet, “Smack You” offers a reminder of the raw, unfiltered Slim Shady that fans first fell in love with.

The Legacy of a Diss Track

Despite the venom and controversy embedded in “Smack You,” the track also highlights Eminem’s unparalleled skill as a lyricist. His ability to weave cutting humor with biting social commentary remains a hallmark of his artistry.

While it’s unlikely Eminem will revisit this combative chapter of his career, “Smack You” serves as a nostalgic—and entertaining—flashback to an era when diss tracks ruled the rap world. Whether fans view it as a relic of the past or a reminder of Eminem’s dominance, one thing is clear: Slim Shady’s words still pack a punch.