In Eminem’s many rhymes, he makes it very clear that he absolutely adores his daughter, Hailey Jade. In the 28 years since he first made a splash as a rising Detroit emcee, Marshall Mathers has told Haley’s life story through his own lyrical lens. There are hundreds of bars dedicated to his only biological descendant.
Just when she was born, Eminem used early tracks on his 1996 debut album Infinite to let Hailie Jade and the hip-hop world know that he was determined to provide his daughter with the ideal life. On the independently released record “Never 2 Far,” Em sings the extremely humble lyrics, “Until I’m happy to be buried and out of this crazy world/And have at least half a million dollars for my baby girl.” In a 1999 interview with Rolling Stone, then-budding Slim Shady explained how Hailey was always top of mind when recording his first studio project.
“That was before my daughter was born,” Em told the publication. “So, all I talk about is creating a future for her.”
Hailie Jade, 28, has been the apple of Eminem’s eye and a central theme in his music for decades. In fact, the acclaimed lyricist’s most successful songs are dedicated to Hailey. 2004’s “Mockingbird,” a loving, self-produced tribute to his daughter’s existence, was certified quintuple platinum. Another example is 2005’s “When I’m Gone,” an inspiring letter written to Hailie Jade in the aftermath of her father’s untimely death. The emotional song peaked at No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Even in the midst of the lyrical war, when foes like Ja Rule and Machine Gun Kelly tried to use Eminem’s admiration for his daughter against him, Slim not only defended Hailey with snarky slaps on the back, but never backed down Using their iron-clad father-daughter relationship against him.
“We’d all rather get along than fight you/me, Hailey dances to your songs, we love you,” Eminem sarcastically added while lampooning Ja Rule in the 2002 diss track “Bump Heads” road.
Now, in 2024, it looks like Eminem will enter the next chapter of his iconic rap career with his upcoming album, The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grâce). At the same time, his personal life also undergoes a major transformation as it relates to the woman he describes through rhymes as “the only lady I admire.” Last month, Eminem handed over her daughter’s hand to her long-term partner and current husband, Evan McClintock. A dapper, doting Slim Shady slow-danced with his daughter at the modest ceremony, surrounded by white roses.
Here, XXL presents Eminem’s heartfelt lyrics to his daughter Hailie Jade in full.
