Fans were in for a surprise as hip hop legends met Eminem backstage at this year’s MTV VMAs, creating an unforgettable moment that brought two eras of rap together.

This year’s MTV VMAs in New York City saw a surprise encounter between three hip hop icons, Eminem, Flavor Flav, and Chuck D, lighting up the night with a blend of legendary vibes and infectious energy. The 8 Mile rapper and Public Enemy legends met at the margins of the event, catching up and exchanging laughs like old friends.

Eminem, who took the stage that evening to open the ceremony, looked genuinely thrilled to meet New York legends. For his part, Flav’s energy was at its signature high, sporting his iconic clock necklace and infectious personality. Fans caught a glimpse of the two as they shared a laugh and a quick hug, and naturally, social media went wild.

Especially with a caption Flav left when posting a video of the encounter:

Eminem is the best battle Rapper in the Game.

With all three legends known for their unforgettable impact on hip hop culture, the encounter felt like a reunion of two powerhouse figures from different generations of the genre. Eminem, whose introspective lyrics and rapid-fire delivery have inspired generations, and Flavor Flav, with his larger-than-life persona and timeless hits with Public Enemy, proved that hip hop’s past and present are alive and well. The moment was pure, unscripted hip hop magic, reminding fans why these two have stayed relevant for decades.

Watch the video below: