Why Necro Never Dared to Diss Eminem: A Deeper Look Into Respect in Hip-Hop

Hip-hop has long thrived on conflict. From the early days of the Bronx to the East Coast–West Coast rivalry of the 1990s, rap battles, lyrical feuds, and public call-outs have been a defining feature of the culture. Dissing another rapper has often been seen as both a test of lyrical strength and a way to establish dominance in a crowded industry. Yet, within this culture of competition, respect still plays an equally important role. One striking example of this balance between rivalry and reverence comes from Brooklyn rapper Necro, who recently explained why he has never dissed Eminem, despite his reputation for fearless, often brutal lyricism.

Necro, known for his dark, hardcore rap style and as part of a group with the legendary Kool G Rap, has built his career around pushing boundaries. His music is raw, aggressive, and frequently controversial, reflecting his desire to stay authentic and uncompromising. He has never shied away from shocking imagery or from targeting others in his rhymes. Yet in a new interview, Necro revealed that Eminem has always been off-limits for him, and his reasons shine a light on the unspoken rules of respect that exist even in one of the most confrontational genres in music.

According to Necro, the idea of dissing Eminem never made sense—not because he lacked the courage, but because he saw Eminem as a figure deserving of admiration rather than attack. In his words, Eminem is “too skilled to ever be a target.” That statement carries more weight than it might appear at first glance. Eminem is widely regarded as one of the greatest lyricists in hip-hop history. His mastery of rhyme schemes, wordplay, storytelling, and delivery set him apart from almost everyone else. For Necro, to diss Eminem would not only be a futile move—it would also show a lack of respect for someone who had elevated the art form to extraordinary levels.

What makes Necro’s statement significant is that it comes from someone whose entire career has been about challenging boundaries. His respect for Eminem isn’t rooted in fear but in recognition. He understands that Eminem is not simply another rapper to compete with; he is a cultural force who reshaped the industry. From The Slim Shady LP to The Marshall Mathers LP and beyond, Eminem proved that hip-hop could cross boundaries of race, geography, and culture, reaching audiences worldwide while still maintaining sharp lyricism and authenticity.

In hip-hop, respect often exists in tension with rivalry. Diss tracks can destroy careers or elevate reputations, depending on how they are delivered and received. But there are certain artists who stand above the fray, commanding recognition even from their peers. Eminem is one of those rare figures. Necro’s refusal to diss him highlights that in the competitive world of rap, there are still unwritten rules—certain names that command reverence because of what they’ve accomplished.

It’s also important to consider Necro’s background. Growing up in Brooklyn, he was part of a gritty underground scene where credibility meant everything. His collaboration with Kool G Rap, one of the pioneers of hardcore lyricism, cemented his place as a serious voice in the genre. Necro’s music has never been about chasing mainstream fame; it has always been about maintaining authenticity and staying true to his vision. That authenticity extends to how he views other rappers. To diss Eminem would feel disingenuous, because in his mind, Eminem has earned his respect.

There’s also another dimension to this story: the way Eminem himself has influenced an entire generation of rappers, including those who might not sound like him directly. Eminem proved that vulnerability could coexist with aggression, that humor could mix with pain, and that technical precision could elevate rap to new artistic heights. Even rappers like Necro, whose style is vastly different, cannot deny the impact Eminem has had on the craft. By refusing to diss him, Necro is not only expressing personal respect but also acknowledging that Eminem represents something bigger than just an individual artist—he represents a benchmark of excellence in hip-hop.

The decision not to diss Eminem also speaks to the maturity that sometimes gets overlooked in hip-hop culture. While battles and conflicts grab headlines, there is another side to rap—one rooted in mentorship, inspiration, and mutual recognition. Necro’s comments remind us that respect is just as essential to the culture as rivalry. Without respect, the art form loses its sense of lineage and continuity. Eminem himself has paid homage to those who came before him, citing influences from LL Cool J to Redman to Tupac. Necro’s refusal to diss him is part of that same tradition—artists acknowledging their peers not just as competitors, but as essential contributors to the culture.

In the end, Necro’s explanation is simple but powerful: Eminem has earned a place where he cannot be treated like just another rapper to take shots at. He is too talented, too impactful, and too important to the genre. For someone like Necro, who thrives on authenticity, dissing Eminem would feel hollow, a contradiction of his own values. Instead, his respect becomes a statement in itself.

Hip-hop may be built on the tension of rivalry, but stories like this show that it is equally built on recognition and reverence. Necro’s refusal to diss Eminem is not a sign of weakness but of strength—the strength to honor greatness when you see it. In a culture where so much is about conflict, sometimes the most powerful act is choosing respect. And in this case, that choice says as much about Eminem’s legacy as it does about Necro’s integrity.