MGK vs. Eminem: The Ongoing Debate Over the Best Diss Track

The rap battle between Machine Gun Kelly (MGK) and Eminem remains one of the most talked-about feuds in hip-hop history. It began with MGK’s controversial comments about Eminem’s daughter and escalated into full-blown diss tracks. While Eminem responded with Killshot, MGK fired back with Rap Devil. Over the years, fans and critics have debated who truly won the battle.

Recently, MGK has reignited the conversation by claiming that his diss track, Rap Devil, is superior to Eminem’s Killshot. In his statement, MGK expressed frustration that many listeners automatically sided with Eminem simply because of his legendary status. He believes that if people listened to both songs with a neutral mindset, they would recognize Rap Devil as the stronger track. Furthermore, MGK insisted that he did not leave rap because of Eminem, but rather because he had already proven himself against one of the greatest rappers of all time.

This bold claim has once again sparked debates in the hip-hop community. Did MGK really overshadow Eminem in their lyrical battle? Or was Killshot the definitive knockout punch that cemented Eminem’s victory? To fully understand this feud, we need to examine the origins of their conflict, the contents of their diss tracks, and the aftermath of their battle.

The Origins of the Eminem-MGK Feud

The tension between Eminem and MGK can be traced back to 2012, when MGK made a tweet about Eminem’s then-16-year-old daughter, Hailie. MGK described her as “hot,” which did not sit well with Eminem. Though MGK later claimed his comment was harmless, Eminem reportedly blacklisted him from major radio platforms and industry circles.

Years later, Eminem addressed MGK in Not Alike, a track from his surprise album Kamikaze (2018). In the song, Eminem took shots at MGK, calling him a “lil’ sub” who tried to diss him over his daughter. MGK saw this as an opportunity to respond, leading to the release of Rap Devil, a full-fledged diss track aimed at Eminem.

Breaking Down the Diss Tracks: Rap Devil vs. Killshot

When Rap Devil dropped, it quickly gained traction. MGK’s diss track was direct, aggressive, and personal. The title itself was a play on Eminem’s famous track Rap God, implying that MGK was here to “kill” the rap deity. MGK criticized Eminem’s age, accused him of being out of touch with modern rap, and mocked his fashion choices. He also took jabs at Eminem’s alleged industry tactics, suggesting that he was bitter and trying to suppress younger artists like MGK.

Some of the most memorable lines from Rap Devil include:

“Somebody grab him some clippers, his f**ing beard is weird.”*
“You’re sober and bored, huh? (I know) / About to be 46 years old, dog.”
“Last time you saw 8 Mile was at home on a treadmill.”

The track was praised for its production and MGK’s confident delivery. Many fans admired his courage in taking on Eminem, a rapper notorious for dismantling opponents in lyrical battles.

However, Eminem quickly responded with Killshot, a track that many consider one of the most lethal diss songs in rap history. Unlike MGK’s energetic delivery, Killshot was cold, calculated, and filled with technical wordplay. Eminem dissected MGK’s career, pointing out his lack of success in rap and mocking his attempt to gain clout by attacking him.

Some of the most brutal lines from Killshot include:

“How you gonna name yourself after a damn gun and have a man bun?”
“I’m 45 and I’m still outselling you / By 29, I had three albums that had blew.”
“You’re a mumble rapper at your core.”

Eminem’s diss track was praised for its lyrical depth, clever insults, and flawless flow. Many believed that Killshot effectively ended the feud, as MGK did not release another diss track in response.

MGK’s Claims: Did He Really Win?

MGK has consistently argued that Rap Devil was the better diss track and that Killshot was not as impactful as people claim. In his recent statement, he insisted that his song was more effective but that people automatically sided with Eminem because of his legendary status. MGK believes that if listeners approached the tracks with an open mind, they would realize that he “won” the battle.

Additionally, MGK has denied claims that he left rap because of Eminem. He insists that his transition to punk rock and pop-punk was not due to the feud but rather a personal choice. He argues that he “overshadowed the best” and simply moved on to new creative ventures.

However, many fans remain skeptical of MGK’s claims. While Rap Devil was a strong diss track, Killshot’s technical superiority and Eminem’s experience in battle rap made it a more devastating response. Additionally, MGK’s shift to rock music occurred shortly after the feud, leading many to believe that Eminem effectively forced him out of the rap scene.

The Aftermath of the Battle

Following the feud, both Eminem and MGK continued their careers in different directions. Eminem went on to release Music to Be Murdered By (2020), which was both commercially and critically successful. He remains a dominant figure in hip-hop, continuing to collaborate with top artists and sell out stadiums worldwide.

Meanwhile, MGK shifted his focus to pop-punk, releasing albums like Tickets to My Downfall (2020) and Mainstream Sellout (2022). His transition to rock music was met with mixed reactions—some praised his reinvention, while others criticized him for abandoning rap. Despite the controversy, his pop-punk albums found success, appealing to a different audience than his rap music.

Although MGK still occasionally raps, he has yet to reclaim the same level of credibility in the hip-hop community. His statements about Rap Devil being superior to Killshot continue to stir debate, but the general consensus remains that Eminem had the stronger diss track.

Conclusion: Who Truly Won the Battle?

The Eminem vs. MGK feud is one of the most memorable rap battles of the 21st century. While MGK’s Rap Devil was an impressive diss track that showcased his ability to go toe-to-toe with a rap legend, Eminem’s Killshot was widely regarded as the more lethal response.

MGK’s recent claims that he won the battle and overshadowed Eminem have reignited discussions, but the general perception remains unchanged. Eminem’s dominance in the rap game, coupled with Killshot’s brutal takedown, solidified his victory in the eyes of most fans.

However, one thing is clear—MGK’s willingness to challenge Eminem brought him significant attention, even if he ultimately didn’t “win” in the traditional sense. The feud elevated his profile, allowing him to pivot to a different genre successfully.

At the end of the day, whether Rap Devil or Killshot was better is subjective. Some prefer MGK’s raw energy and direct insults, while others appreciate Eminem’s intricate wordplay and methodical dismantling. Regardless of who “won,” this battle will always be remembered as one of hip-hop’s most iconic rivalries.