Detroit rapper Eminem released his third single, "Rap God," off his new album, "The Marshall Mathers LP 2" on Monday; in less than 24 hours it received 3.1 million views. The track is the ninth song on the album, directly following Eminem's earlier release, the '80s-inflected "Berzerk".
Following the same path as "Berzerk" Eminem sticks to what he does best as he quickly raps over a plain beat. The song emphasizes his lyrics, which are aggressive and blunt. Eminem recalls hip-hop history as he mentions Heavy D & the Boyz and Tupac during a dizzying verse that replaces a chorus, paying tribute to old school rap, the Rolling Stone reported.
Before the songs starts, a voice repeats Slick Rick's famous line from his 1980's rap hit "The Show" as the hook begins with Eminem saying "I'm beginning to feel like a rap god (rap god)/ All the people from the front to the back, nod (back nod)."
The song lasts six minutes as Eminem pays tribute to rappers who have inspired him, and mentions old events like Monica Lewinsky and Columbine, causing some critics to call him dated, Rolling Stone reported. It seems the focus on this album, according to the previous two singles which were leaked, is simply to have the most expertly laid verses.
According to the Rolling Stones, the best part comes about halfway through, when he explains why he's so on-point in the song, saying he feels the need to write a few rhymes because, "even you unsigned rappers are hungry, looking at me like it's lunchtime."
The song can be understood as a shot at other rappers who have referenced themselves as gods or deities, like Kanye West with his album "Yeezus" and continuing pursuance of his being god-like, as well as Jay-Z's "Magna Carta Holy Grail" album.
True to his style, though, Eminem has not left the maniacal flow behind as he raps about these diverse topics at a dizzying pace, keeping true to his rapping skills.
"Mr. Mathers seems to know where his own legacy lies: he's great at rapping, and not necessarily much else," Spin.com reported.
"Rap God" will be available on iTunes tonight at midnight.
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