Another Top 10 Eminem Songs

 
If the song’s title gave you the impression that Marshall Mathers was going to finally deliver a sweet love song, we’re sorry to break it to you, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Following the divorce with his childhood sweetheart, Kim Scott, Mathers is at his most jaded and it stands to reason that this song is filled to the brim with promiscuity and dripping with irony. With a slow burning guitar riff in the background, it gives off a different sound than your typical Eminem song, but in this case, different is a good thing.
 
 
 

 
Eminem has become infamous for what he has labeled his alter ego, Slim Shady. Shady first debuted 5 years prior to this song, but we’ll get to that later. He’s back again and causing mischief and mayhem, with nonstop rhymes that are equal parts shocking and hilarious. For anyone who was scared Mathers had become too serious with his later work, this song puts it all out there with fart humor, Michael Jackson jokes, and more. This song reminds us of Em’s silly side, but his lyricism is still on point.
 
 

 
Eminem is one of the most controversial artists out there, which has undoubtedly added to his legacy and success. He’s also never been one to shy away from haters, with White America serving as one big middle finger directed at those who rebuke his work for its shocking nature. In particular, he calls out the hypocrisy of lawmakers attempting to censor him, and the delicate sensitivities of suburban households. Mathers takes no prisoners, and instead comes in with guns blazing to defend his work.
 



 
The naysayers referenced in our last entry tend to latch on to a handful of controversial songs in particular, and this is unquestionably one of them. Shady uses Kill You to address a number of accusations surrounding him in a patently Eminem fashion. This is laced into a violent message that’s seamlessly intertwined with impeccable rhyming that stands out when mixed with his controversial tone. He could be performing to a massive audience, but it gives off the impression of a one on one conversation, all with a sick hook to back it up.
 
 



 
Eminem frequently has vicious and shocking messages that would very likely result in widespread hatred for a lesser artist. But it’s his vulnerability that leads fans to resonate so strongly with his work. Not Afraid slows things down and puts the jokes on hold as Mathers opens up about addiction and his struggle with sobriety. He’s been accused of many things, but never has there been cause to believe he’s ignorant of his own personal demons. With two Grammy nominations and a number one spot on the Billboard, all signs suggest that both the song’s powerful message and catchy sound were well-received by all.
 
 
 

Perhaps Eminem’s darkest song to date, Kim may at first seem like familiar territory for Mathers. He’s made multiple songs about killing people, and he’s violently made clear his disdain for ex-wife Kim Scott on more than one occasion. However, there’s something unhinged, even by Marshall’s standards, about this song that opens the door for both high criticism and high praise. For the latter, Eminem’s violent and psychotic rage against his ex-wife throughout the song has a raw emotion that is far more real than your run-of-the-mill breakup song. At the very least, most can agree that songs like this show Mather’s willingness to take risks like few others in the industry.
 
 
 
 

 
Rapping has been a vehicle of both comedy and emotional catharsis for Mathers for over two decades, and each of these elements cemented his legacy in hip-hop for years to come. Then he turned 40, and some began to use phrases such as “has-been” when describing Slim Shady. Instead of lazily referring to mounds of Grammy hardware, in response to all his haters Eminemreleased a 6-minute statement of his unmatched prowess in this LP2 single. There’s no deeper meaning to Rap God, just clever rhymes that are fired off at record-breaking speed.
 
 
 

 
For every Eminem detractor eager to point out his controversial lyrics, there’s a handful of avid supporters who are ready to defend him and point out the unprecedented authenticity of his lyrics. Cleanin’ Out My Closet focuses on another person in Mathers life who is the subject of unapologetic scrutiny: his own mother. The chorus begs forgiveness, but the verses furiously lash out, as Marshall recalls events from his life that have forced him to completely cut his mother out of his life. It’s clearly therapeutic for Eminem, and the beat is catchy for us listening. Love it or hate it; few have a lukewarm opinion about this tell-all tune.
 
 

 
In 1999, the world was introduced to Eminem, and also to his controversy-spawning alter ego, Slim Shady. My Name Is managed to attract a $10 million lawsuit from Marshall Mathers mother, but insurmountable praise as well; including a Grammy for Best Rap Solo Performance and a #39 spot on the Rolling Stone 100 Greatest Hip-Hop Songs of All Time. Its light-hearted melody seems fit for daytime television, but its lyrical content is far from it. No one is safe from an unremorseful roast in this four-minute spew-session that only Eminem is capable of.
 


 
Before we unveil our number one pick, here are a few honorable mentions:
 
“The Monster”
The Marshall Mathers LP 2 (2013)



 “Like Toy Soldiers” 
Encore (2004)



“When I’m Gone” 
Curtain Call: The Hits (2005)
 
 
 
 

 
Eminem has his own unique style that can never be truly replicated. Adapting the persona of a comic book hero, Slim Shady wastes no time getting off to the races in this song. For him, this means calling out haters, cracking scandalous jokes, and not-so-subtly reminding the world who’s in charge of the rap game. The beat in and of itself is enough to entice listeners, but the unprecedented flow is what garnered enormous praise resulting in a number two spot on the Billboard Hot 100. Without this track, Slim Shady just wouldn’t be the same.
 
 
 
Do you agree with our list? Which Eminem song do you think is his best? For more controversial Top 10s, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.