Music producer Damion “Damizza” Young recently revealed a surprising detail about the casting process for Eminem‘s breakthrough film “8 Mile” during an appearance on the TFU Podcast. According to Young, the 52-year-old rapper specifically wanted Mariah Carey, now 56, to portray his mother in the 2002 biographical drama, despite the Grammy-winning singer being only four years his senior.

Young, who produced Carey’s 1998 single “I Still Believe” featuring Krayzie Bone and Da Brat, claims responsibility for introducing the two musical powerhouses. The industry veteran found himself in an unusual position when both artists were exploring film opportunities around the same time period.

Referring to the opportunity as Carey’s “Achilles’ heel,” Young described his dilemma: “If I don’t say something and then it comes another route in the business or something, then I’m the bad guy,” he explained.

At the time, Carey had recently achieved success with “Heartbreaker,” featuring JAY-Z, and was actively seeking movie roles to expand her career beyond music. Young was simultaneously advising her against signing onto the independent film “Glitter” when Eminem’s team reached out with the “8 Mile” opportunity. Young initially hesitated to facilitate the meeting, particularly given Eminem’s previous conflicts with other female artists, such as Christina Aguilera.

The Awkward Casting Conversation

When Young finally approached Carey about the potential collaboration, her initial response was negative. “So I go to Mariah, and I’m like, ‘Look, Eminem wants to meet you,’ and she’s like, ‘No,’” Young recalled his first attempt. However, once she learned the meeting concerned a film role, Carey reportedly requested Eminem’s contact information.

Despite Young’s warnings about potential complications, Eminem insisted his intentions were purely professional regarding the movie role. Young claimed he pleaded with the rapper, saying, “Don’t do this. I know where you’re going with this,” referencing Eminem’s history with Aguilera. The producer warned, “I’m managing this girl, and it’s gonna cause me a problem.”

Eminem allegedly replied, “No, I genuinely want her in the movie,” according to Young’s account. During their eventual conference call to discuss the casting opportunity, Young said Carey was told, “I want you to play my mother.”

“She did not like that [expletive] at all,” Young revealed. “Her insecurities kicked in big time.”

Academy Award winner Kim Basinger ultimately secured the role of Eminem’s troubled, alcoholic mother in the film, which became a critical and commercial success.

How Their Feud Really Started

The failed casting opportunity represents just one chapter in the complicated history between Eminem and Carey, which has spanned over two decades. Their relationship began professionally in 2001 when Carey sought Eminem’s collaboration for her “Charmbracelet” album, but differing accounts of their personal connection sparked a lengthy public feud.

Eminem’s perspective on their relationship became clear in a 2002 Rolling Stone interview: “I don’t want to say anything disrespectful because I respect her as a singer, but on the whole personal level, I’m not really feeling it. I just don’t like her as a person,” he stated.

Carey maintained a different version of events, telling Larry King in 2002: “I hung out with him, I spoke to him on the phone. I think I was probably with him a total of four times. And I don’t consider that dating somebody.”

“8 Mile,” released in 2002, chronicles Eminem’s own experiences as an aspiring Detroit rapper navigating the underground battle scene. The film featured performances by the late Brittany Murphy, Anthony Mackie, Mekhi Phifer, and Taryn Manning alongside Basinger’s acclaimed portrayal of his mother.

The movie’s soundtrack produced “Lose Yourself,” which became a number-one hit and earned Eminem an Oscar for Best Original Song, though he famously skipped the 2003 Academy Awards ceremony.

While the Carey casting never materialized, both artists went on to have hugely successful careers, with their paths crossing from time to time through music collaborations and public comments over the years.