Ed Sheeran Credits Eminem for “Curing” His Childhood Stutter

English singer Ed Sheeran has shared how Eminem’s music played a significant role in curing his childhood stutter.

He disclosed that the speech disorder stemmed from a traumatic incident and it was Eminem’s Slim Shady album that helped him regain his voice.

Ed mentioned that his struggle with speech began after a medical procedure where his face was not properly numbed while removing a birthmark near his eye. It was his uncle who first introduced him to rap and bought him Eminem’s CD at the age of nine, ultimately aiding in overcoming his stammer.

Describing the experience, Ed remarked, “I was going through all sorts of speech therapy. When I was 9, my uncle bought me The Marshall Mathers LP. He just said to my dad, ‘This guy’s the next Bob Dylan’.”

👉 For more insights, check out this resource.

He continued, “My dad didn’t really grasp it, he’s just like, ‘OK, Edward’s going to go and listen to that’. By learning that record and rapping it back to back, it cured my stutter,” he told the host.

Following his rise to fame with the hit A-Team, Ed established a friendship with the rapper and they have collaborated on three songs together.

👉 Discover more in this in-depth guide.

Discussing his bond with Eminem, Ed stated, “I think it’s different with Eminem because he is quite reclusive, doesn’t see or meet that many people.”

“I’ve known him now six years and we’ve done three songs together, I’ve played with him twice on stage. He’s another person I really relate to, as he lives in his hometown still and has his ecosystem around him.”

Ed also recounted an incident in 2020 when they performed Eminem’s 2000 song “Stan” at the Rock and Roll Hall induction ceremony.

He shared, “I was filming a music video at the time when I was asked if I could perform in the US.”

“I can’t say no. I can’t. So, I got a plane straight after my music video, flew there for the song, and then that night flew back. It was really worth it.”