Anyone who enjoys the competitive element of hip-hop, and let’s be honest that’s a large percentage, can appreciate a little bit of trash-talk now and again. And with and ‘s recently launched Verzuz series, the topic of hit-for-hit battles has raised many interesting debates. By now, you might have heard tell of a potential match-up between and , with the former allegedly ready and willing to take up the challenge. At least, that’s what , when he first unearthed the revelation. 

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For one reason or another, DMX didn’t seem entirely enthused with the prospect of going toe to toe with Slim Shady. In fact, he appears to have his sights set on another foe — his self-described “arch-nemesis” Jay-Z. Footage of a call between Swizzy and X reveal’s the legendary rapper’s position on the potential battle, and to call him confident would be an understatement — a fair position, given that DMX has quite an iconic repertoire of hits under his belt.

“What about Em? Em don’t want it,” laughs X. “Em don’t want it. I’d rather go for, you know, my arch-nemesis [Jay-Z]. He don’t gotta come outside, n***a, it’s in the house! You saying he don’t want to face me and play some records?” Swizz can be heard remarking that it’s a celebration, furthering X’s logic. “We celebrating music, and he got some hits too. He can play ‘Money Cash Hoes,’ I can play ‘Money Cash Hoes.’ Make it happen.” 

Would you agree with DMX’s position that he could score a decisive victory over Eminem? Or would he be better matched against Jay-Z? Either way, it’s fun to see rappers of this pedigree get caught up in the competitive spirit once again. Check it out for yourself below.