Pop star Zayn Malik has revealed his admiration for rap icon Eminem, calling the 53-year-old rapper a major inspiration in both life and music. The 32-year-old singer of hits like Dusk Till Dawn and PILLOWTALK explained that he finds striking similarities between his own experiences and Eminem’s journey.
Speaking to BBC Radio 1, Malik said, “I remember watching 8 Mile for the first time when I was growing up in Bradford and that movie inspired me.” The film, which chronicles Eminem’s struggles growing up in a tough environment and his efforts to escape through a rap competition, resonated deeply with Malik, who also faced challenges in his early career.
Malik highlighted that Eminem’s ability to overcome obstacles and achieve success motivated him. “It felt like he was growing up in a similar environment to me. The things he overcame and did were incredibly inspiring,” Zayn said.
The former X-Factor contestant, who auditioned as a solo artist in 2010, admits that he sees parallels between his own journey and Eminem’s rise to fame. He described Eminem as “one of the top rappers in my book,” emphasizing the profound impact the rapper has had on his personal and professional life.
Zayn Malik’s candid comments offer fans a glimpse into the musical inspirations behind his own career while celebrating Eminem’s enduring legacy. From growing up in Bradford to making a mark on the global music scene, Malik credits Eminem’s story as a key influence on his path to stardom.