Mark Wahlberg is a versatile performer who first rose to fame as part of a music group. He smoothly transitioned into a successful acting career, delivering standout performances in films like Boogie Nights, The Departed, and Transformers, highlighting his adaptability across various genres. Beyond his on-screen success, Wahlberg is acclaimed for his philanthropic endeavors and engagement in various charitable and entrepreneurial pursuits.
Mark Wahlberg experienced initial music career success as Marky Mark before dedicating himself to acting. Yet, it provokes curiosity to ponder if he might have pursued a musical path akin to rapper Eminem’s had he chosen to persist in that avenue.
Mark Wahlberg Never Wanted To Be Like Eminem
As Mark Wahlberg was gaining prominence, he joined forces with his brother to create the hip-hop sensation known as Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch. Their inaugural album, Music for the People, released in 1991, achieved considerable success, but their second offering, You Gotta Believe, failed to replicate that triumph. Eventually, the group disbanded, yet Wahlberg persisted in his rap career for a significant period before fully immersing himself in the world of acting.
As Mark Wahlberg was ascending in Hollywood, Eminem was just embarking on his music career. The 8 Mile star was rapidly solidifying his position as one of hip-hop’s foremost artists. In a recently uncovered interview with IGN, Wahlberg was questioned about whether he believed he could have achieved Eminem’s level of success had he not chosen to retire from music.
Mark Wahlberg told IGN:
“Could I have been Eminem? I certainly hope not. I like Eminem, I think Eminem’s really talented, but I’m trying to go a completely different route.”
He expressed that he and Eminem had entirely distinct life experiences and backgrounds. Wahlberg also believed that, during that period, he may have been more inclined to convey positive messages compared to the music artist. He added,
“I love my mother, man. Are you crazy? No, I can’t be a bad influence on anybody. But, I think there’s a lot more to what he does than that. There’s certainly a shock value that’s kind of gotten him to a certain place, but the guy’s got a lot of talent. It’s just, you know, I came from the real thing and I was trying desperately to get away from that.”
Wahlberg believed that interference from studios played a role in his departure from the music industry.
Mark Wahlberg Thinks He Would’ve Been A Succesful Rapper
Wahlberg perceived that studio meddling contributed to his exit from the industry, as it appeared the label backing him aimed for a more mainstream and pop-oriented image than he desired.
Wahlberg said on The Ellen Show
“They wanted me to be a little more commercial, take my pants off more. Do a duet with a girl singer. They didn’t want me to do what I wanted to do, and to be who I am. So, I just got a little frustrated by that.”
Nonetheless, Wahlberg aspired to explore diverse musical genres without altering his public persona. The star of The Departed made efforts to collaborate with the studio, but eventually, he reached his breaking point.
Source: IGN
