Rapper Nashon Breedlove, who competed with Eminem in the movie 8 Mile, dies at the age of 46

Nashawn Breedlove, the actor who won acclaim for his role in the rap-to-riches film “8 Mile,” in which he brings a tough freestyle to a battle against the persona portrayed by rapper Eminem, dominates the bleak stage with his violence. The words and the majestic presence died. He was 46 years old.

Mr. Breedlove’s mother, Patricia Breedlove, confirmed his death in a statement FacebookAlthough she did not share his death date or cause of death.

Rapper Eminem starred in the 2002 film “8 Mile,” a story loosely based on his life growing up poor in a trailer park on the northern edge of Detroit. Known for its bold portrayal of an artist striving to make it big in the rap world, the film depicts a society that can mercilessly criticize bland artists but thrives when a talent twists lyrics and turns them into witty criticism or insults. Do it regularly Rows One of the best hip-hop movies ever.

Mr. Breedlove, who in the film plays the rapper Lotto, a member of a rival rap group, displayed a sense of bravado in his scene with Eminem’s character, Jimmy, who raps under the name B-Rabbit.

The battle scene takes place in a small, cramped, dimly lit space, and shows both characters on stage – Lotto, his arms muscular and his voice husky, looking visibly tougher, and Jimmy, his snug black hat and eyes closed, looking relaxed and even somewhat disinterested. .

After calling Jimmy a “coward,” Lotto takes the mic first and injects his rap with mentions of race and Jimmy’s lack of self-worth, all while playfully adding sarcastic remarks of politeness, such as when he says “I hate to do this” and tells Jimmy ” Have a nice day” immediately after hurling profanity at him.

In one verse, Lotto compares Jimmy to the titular character in the mid-century sitcom Leave It to Beaver, saying: “Call me your captain, I feel bad I had to kill that guy from ‘Leave It to Beaver.'”

After completing his freestyle, Lotto dropped the mic and received thunderous cheers from the crowd.

The microphone is then handed to Jimmy, who glares at Lotto before launching into his insulting verse calling Lotto a “paranoid” person who needs “another steroid.”

Jimmy then continues to target Lotto’s muscles: “You look like a tornado is hitting you, and you’re screaming at the top of the tank: ‘Oh Lotto, I don’t fit you!'”

Jimmy was chosen as the winner of the battle, but compared to the performances of others against Eminem’s character — including his final opponent in the film, who famously choked up when faced with Jimmy’s self-deprecating verses — Lotto’s rap stood out for its powerful, clear delivery.

A complete list of Breedlove survivors was not immediately available, and their relatives could not be reached for comment Wednesday evening.

Breedlove also appeared on the soundtrack to the 2001 comedy film The Wash, which starred Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre, according to the music publication. HipHopDX.

On Monday, the rapper Mickey Factz said on Instagram that Mr. Breedlove would be remembered as “one of the few managers to beat Eminem.”