Eminem Wanted Mariah Carey to Play His Mother in ‘8 Mile’, Producer Claims ArticlePure

Eminem reportedly had a vision of family for a movie with Mariah Carey.

During the June 4 episode of the TFU Podcast, music producer Damion “Damizza” Young claimed the “Way I Am” rapper, 52, wanted Carey, 56, to play his mother in 8 Mile, despite the five-time Grammy winner being just four years his senior.

Young, who first worked with Carey when he produced her 1998 single “I Still Believe” featuring Krayzie Bone and Da Brat, said he’s responsible for introducing the “Obsessed” singer and Eminem. 

According to the industry veteran, Carey had recently released “Heartbreaker” with JAY-Z and was doing great in her career, but expressed that she was now interested in taking on a movie role.

Young said he was in the process of advising her against signing on to do Glitter, since it was an independent film, when he got a call from Eminem’s camp with the 8 Mile offer, which he also didn’t necessarily approve of. 

Referring to the opportunity as Carey’s “Achilles’ heel,” Young felt he was at a crossroads.

“’If I don’t say something and then it comes another route in the business or something, then I’m the bad guy,’ ” he said of his thought process, and the reason he ultimately made the introduction between the two stars.

“So I go to Mariah, and I’m like, ‘Look, Eminem wants to meet you,’ and she’s like, ‘No,’ ” he said of his first attempt. However, once Young told her it was for a movie, she allegedly asked for the “Without Me” rapper’s number. 

Young claimed he pleaded with Eminem, saying, “’Don’t do this. I know where you’re going with this,’ ” making mention of his history with Christina Aguilera. “I’m managing this girl, and it’s gonna cause me a problem,” he warned. 

Eminem allegedly replied, “’No, I genuinely want her in the movie,’ ” the music producer recalled.

With all three finally on a call to discuss the role, Young said Carey was told, “’I want you to play my mother.’ ”

“She did not like that s— at all,” Young said. “Her insecurities kicked in big time.”

Academy Award winner Kim Basinger, now 71, was ultimately cast in the role of Eminem’s alcoholic mother.

Reps for Carey and Eminem did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment. 

Released in 2002, 8 Mile is based on Eminem’s own life as an aspiring Detroit rapper. The film shows his character, B-Rabbit, navigate the underground rap battle scene before finding success. 

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The late Brittany Murphy starred as his love interest, Alex. Anthony Mackie, Mekhi Phifer and Taryn Manning also appear in the musical drama.

“Lose Yourself” — which became a No. 1 hit — won the Oscar for Best Original Song from the film. Eminem famously skipped the 2003 ceremony, however.