JoJo Siwa's Shocking Lyric About Eminem Sends Fans Into Frenzy — Is It a Diss or Just a Joke?

JoJo Siwa, the former child star turned edgy pop artist, has sparked controversy after previewing a snippet of an unreleased song that appears to take aim at rap icon Eminem.

The short clip, shared on social media on 1 August 2025, quickly ignited debate over whether the 21-year-old was delivering a deliberate diss or simply making a playful reference.

In the behind-the-scenes footage, Siwa can be seen performing an energetic rap verse, delivering the line: 'You're not Slim Shady.' The reference to Eminem's famous alter ego was enough to set off a wave of online reactions. While some saw the lyric as a bold provocation, others questioned whether it was meant in jest.

What Was Said

The teaser shows Siwa in full performance mode, spitting the 'You're not Slim Shady' line with confidence. The clip immediately drew strong reactions in the comments section, with some fans accusing her of disrespecting one of hip-hop's most celebrated figures. Others argued that the lyric may have been taken out of context, suggesting it could be part of a broader concept rather than a direct jab.

Critics questioned whether Siwa had the musical credibility to challenge a rapper of Eminem's calibre, with one social media user writing: 'Imagine trying to diss Eminem when you just started rapping.' Another warned: 'This is career suicide.'

From Child Star to Controversial Pop Act

Siwa first rose to fame on Dance Moms before building a multimillion-dollar brand through her colourful YouTube content and signature oversized hair bows. In recent years, she has rebranded with a darker, more rebellious aesthetic, swapping rainbow outfits for punk-inspired looks, tattoos and experimental music styles.

Her transformation has divided fans. Some applaud her willingness to break away from her child-friendly image, while others feel alienated by her dramatic shift in style and sound. The unreleased track is part of her ongoing effort to reposition herself as a serious recording artist in the mainstream pop and rap scenes.

The Reaction Online

The snippet has drawn sharp criticism from many Eminem fans, who called the line 'disrespectful' and 'tone-deaf.' On X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok, users debated whether Siwa was knowingly stepping into dangerous territory. Eminem's history of public feuds, from Mariah Carey to Machine Gun Kelly, was frequently cited in the discussions, with one commenter warning: 'She's entering dangerous territory.'

Others were more forgiving, suggesting the line could be a tongue-in-cheek nod rather than a serious insult. Some even praised her for taking creative risks, noting that controversy often fuels publicity.

Why It Matters

The uproar highlights the intense scrutiny faced by artists who reinvent themselves, especially those transitioning from child stardom. In Siwa's case, every bold choice attracts both praise and backlash. Referencing Eminem, a rapper known for his sharp-tongued responses, carries potential risks but also the opportunity for increased visibility.

Whether the full track will be released remains uncertain. For now, the snippet alone has been enough to thrust Siwa back into the headlines, proving the influence a single lyric can have in today's fast-moving online culture.

Has Siwa Responded?

As of now, Siwa has not publicly addressed the meaning behind the lyric or confirmed whether it will appear on her next album. With speculation still swirling, fans and critics alike are watching closely to see if she doubles down on the line or distances herself from the brewing feud.