Eminem is once again making headlines for his controversial lyrics. On JID’s newly released track “Animals (Pt. I),” the Detroit rapper takes a pointed shot at Kanye West and his cousin, referencing a sensitive topic from Kanye’s past.
The song is part of JID’s surprise 4-track EP GDLU (Preluxe), released Friday as a teaser for his upcoming fourth studio album, God Does Like Ugly, dropping August 8.
Eminem’s verse on “Animals (Pt. I)” is lengthy and aggressive, matching JID’s rapid-fire delivery. But one line in particular sparked backlash online:
“With these magazines, I act out like Ye and his cousin.”
Listeners quickly linked the lyric to Kanye West’s 2018 track “Cousins,” in which Ye referenced an alleged sexual encounter with his cousin during their youth. The controversial callback has caused debate on social media, with many users criticizing the line as insensitive and inappropriate.
“This is NOT a bar,” one user wrote on X.
“Em is foul for that,” added another.
“What goes through your mind to say this?” asked a third.
Despite the criticism, some fans praised Eminem’s performance, calling the verse a “return to form” and saying he “snapped” on the track.
This isn’t the first time Eminem has stirred controversy with his lyrics. The rapper has long been known for provocative lines that divide opinion, and “Animals (Pt. I)” is proving no different.
Meanwhile, anticipation continues to grow for JID’s upcoming album, God Does Like Ugly. His previous release, The Forever Story (2022), was widely praised and cemented his status as one of hip-hop’s top lyricists.
