Rap superstar Eminem, born Marshall Mathers III, has officially requested that 2024 Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy refrain from using his music at campaign events. The request came in a formal letter sent by performance rights organization BMI on August 23. Eminem’s move comes after Ramaswamy performed a live version of the rapper’s hit “Lose Yourself” at the Iowa State Fair recently.
Vivek Ramaswamy’s campaign spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin stated that they intend to comply with Eminem’s demand, adding with humor that the actual rapping should be left to “the real Slim Shady.”
BMI’s letter warns that future performances of Eminem’s music by Ramaswamy’s 2024 campaign would be considered a material breach of the licensing agreements. Ramaswamy, who has seen his profile rise in the Republican Party after a strong showing in the recent GOP debate, acknowledged Eminem’s plea on social media. Using the rapper’s own lyrics, he tweeted: “Will the REAL Slim Shady please stand up? He didn’t just say what I think he did, did he?”
The issue of politicians using artists’ music without permission is not new. In fact, it has been a recurring theme in American political campaigns. Former President Donald Trump, for example, received several cease-and-desist letters from artists such as the Rolling Stones and Queen. In 2008, the Foo Fighters protested John McCain’s unauthorized use of their song “My Hero,” and musician Jackson Browne filed a lawsuit against the McCain campaign for using “Running on Empty” without permission.
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