In a recent, candid interview with the Diverse Mentality podcast, former G-Unit member Young Buck opened up about his deep respect and admiration for two of hip-hop’s most iconic figures: Eminem and Dr. Dre. The Nashville-born rapper, who rose to fame as part of 50 Cent’s G-Unit collective in the early 2000s, didn’t hold back as he reflected on his experiences working with the legendary duo and the lasting impact they’ve had on his life and career.

A Moment of Reflection

Young Buck, whose real name is David Darnell Brown, has never shied away from speaking his mind. But in this particular interview, his tone was especially heartfelt as he reminisced about the days when he was surrounded by some of the greatest talents in music history.

“To this day, shout out to Dre, shout out to Em,” Buck said, his voice tinged with both nostalgia and gratitude. “Of course I miss being amongst in the circle around them. Them dudes were great, still great and will always be great. Two of my favorite individuals.”

For fans who have followed Buck’s journey from his early days in Nashville to his meteoric rise with G-Unit and beyond, these words carry significant weight. The chemistry between Buck, Eminem, and Dr. Dre was undeniable, and their collaborations produced some of the most memorable tracks of the era.

Eminem’s Genius Behind the Boards

While Eminem is best known for his rapid-fire lyricism and razor-sharp wordplay, Young Buck was quick to remind listeners that Marshall Mathers is just as formidable behind the mixing console. Recalling the making of “Blood Hound,” a standout track from 50 Cent’s classic debut album “Get Rich or Die Tryin’,” Buck revealed a little-known fact about Eminem’s role in the song’s creation.

“A lot of people don’t even know Eminem mixed ‘Blood Hound,’” Buck shared. “Eminem is a f–king genius in real life. He is something different. Some people so f–king talented to the point where it’s just like unreal. He was one of them.”

Buck’s admiration for Eminem’s versatility was clear. “He could be rapping and the next thing producing, doing all at once and you get to hear that s–t that he’s saying and doing, man it was like, ‘who the f–k is this?! Is this God rapping like this?’ This s–t ain’t easy. Some people might make it look easy but it’s not. I always give Em and Dre their props.”

A Legendary Circle

For many fans, the early 2000s were a golden age for hip-hop—a time when Dr. Dre, Eminem, and 50 Cent’s G-Unit reigned supreme. Young Buck was right in the thick of it, working closely with both Dre and Em on multiple projects. Their influence, he says, extended far beyond the music itself.

“Being in the studio with Dre and Em was like attending a masterclass every single day,” Buck explained. “You’re learning from two of the greatest minds in the game. Dre’s ear for beats and production is unmatched, and Em’s pen game—man, it’s just on another level.”

According to Buck, the environment was both competitive and supportive, pushing everyone involved to bring their best to the table. “There was never a moment where you could slack off. If you did, you’d get left behind. But at the same time, they wanted to see you win. They wanted to help you grow.”

The Lasting Impact of Dre and Em

Even as life and circumstances have taken Young Buck in different directions, the lessons he learned from Dr. Dre and Eminem continue to shape his approach to music and life.

“Everything I know about making records, about putting together an album, about staying true to myself as an artist—I learned that from them,” Buck said. “Dre taught me how to listen, how to find the right sound. Em taught me how to write, how to put real emotion into my verses.”

Buck also emphasized the importance of humility and hard work—qualities he says both Dre and Em embody despite their legendary status. “They never acted like they were bigger than anybody else. They put in the work, day in and day out. That’s why they’re still on top after all these years.”

A Message for the Next Generation

As the interview drew to a close, Young Buck had a message for up-and-coming artists hoping to follow in his footsteps. “Don’t ever take your opportunities for granted,” he advised. “If you’re lucky enough to be around greatness, soak up everything you can. Learn, listen, and always give respect to those who paved the way.”

He continued, “Dre and Em, they changed the game. Not just for me, but for everybody. They showed us what’s possible if you stay hungry and never stop believing in yourself.”

Fans React

News of Young Buck’s heartfelt shoutout quickly made waves online, with fans and fellow artists chiming in to echo his sentiments. “Real recognizes real,” one Twitter user wrote. “Buck, Dre, and Em made history together. That era will never be forgotten.”

Others pointed to Buck’s comments as proof of the enduring legacy of Dr. Dre and Eminem. “You can’t talk about hip-hop without mentioning those two,” another fan commented. “Glad to see Buck giving them their flowers while they’re still here.”

Looking Ahead

While Young Buck’s career has had its ups and downs, his respect for Eminem and Dr. Dre remains unwavering. As he continues to make music and share his story, Buck hopes to inspire the next generation of artists to chase greatness with the same passion and dedication that defined his time with two of hip-hop’s most influential figures.

“Shout out to Dre, shout out to Em,” Buck concluded. “They were great, still great, and will always be great.”