Eminem, one of the most popular rappers of all time, recently turned 44 and though he has been keeping a low profile for some years, he could become the next Nobel lyricist.

The white rapper could win the next Nobel in literature if Irish poet Seamus Heaney has his way, reports International Business Times. This is because, Heaney, who is also a Nobel laureate (he won the prize in 1995 for literature), thinks of Eminem as a lyricist who belongs to the elite breed like John Lennon and Bob Dylan.

The latter, in a landmark judgment, won the Nobel this year for literature, opening the doors for songwriters to compete for the prestigious award. Therefore, it is natural to consider the evaluation of Heaney and what could be a better occasion than the birthday of the rock star. If Heaney has compared Eminem to Dylan, it is quite possible that the former might be in the running for the Nobel next year.

Admiring Eminem and his body of work, Heaney said in 2003 that Eminem has created a sense of what is possible with his songs. The professor of poetry at Oxford University told The Guardian that Eminem has sent a voltage around his generation and he has done this not just through his subversive attitude but also his verbal energy.

Interestingly, in that very year, Eminem's composition 'Lose Yourself' won the Oscars for the Best Original Song. A grand achievement, by all standards, the rapper definitely has it in himself to compete for the glorious award. He is one of the greatest artists of all times and if one takes a look at his achievements, one can easily see the merit in Heaney's comparison.

Eminem is not just into writing, he is also a fabulous rapper with a record-breaking rapping speed to his credit. As for being a celebrity, he has touched millions of lives through his songs and his life itself is an inspiration. From Barak Obama to Ronaldo, all have admitted to being inspired by the struggles and success of the white rapper.

So, it would be interesting to see if he makes it to the Nobel list and adds one more feather to his already-full cap.