In a new interview on The Forum Magazine, Trick Trick sets the record straight on Eminem’s influence in the Detroit music scene, defending his contributions and acknowledging the role Em played in helping him achieve his biggest record. He breaks down how their collaboration came about and why Eminem’s support meant so much.

“People who talk s–t about Eminem were in diapers and wasn’t a factor in the culture of hip-hop at all. Eminem put on Obie Trice, Stat Quo, Proof, Denaun, Swifty McVay, Bizarre, Kuniva, them mothef–kers from Detroit, right here from 7 mile! Stat was from Atlanta, Ca$his, 50 Cent! How many motherf–kers Fifty employed. That man Eminem did what he had to do. That man gonna be papa soon. He made a difference. He created so much! That motherf–ker introduced me to an audience that were not checking for me. Not because I asked for, just out of love!” – said Trick Trick.

Then he continued: “Em called me, come up there, he gets in the car, puts the CD and that mothef–ker was done waiting for my two verses [for Welcome 2 Detroit]. Beat, verse, hook. He said ‘that’s for you. You owe me nothing. I appreciate you always being there for us. You never asked for anything, you just real G.’ At that time, he had Marshall Mathers LP out. That song got me the biggest legal bag I ever had in my life and I’ve been on since. That was the introduction the the world that didn’t know who Trick was.”

You can watch the entire interview below: