Eminem, aka Marshall Mathers, stands tall as one of the dopest and most influential rappers ever. With his slick wordplay, unique flow, and fearless attitude, Eminem has constantly pushed the boundaries of hip-hop, earning a massive following along the way. Over his career, he’s dropped countless hits and albums, showcasing his versatility and knack for tackling everything from personal demons to social issues. Here, we break down the top 10 best Eminem tracks, highlighting the songs that have left the biggest mark on his career and the rap game. Whether you’ve been rocking with him from the start or just getting into his music, this list will give you a solid rundown of his legendary catalog. Each of these tracks showcases why Em is still the G.O.A.T. in the rap game.
Also Read > Tenacious D Cancels ‘Future Plans’ After Political Backlash Following Trump Assassination Joke
- Rap God
“Rap God” dropped in 2013 on “The Marshall Mathers LP 2,” and it’s pure fire. Eminem goes off with a rapid-fire delivery, flexing his rhyming skills and wordplay. He drops pop culture references and shares bits of his own journey in the rap game. The track, released in response to a Machine Gun Kelly diss, blew up, topping charts worldwide. The music video is a trip too, packed with nods to classic movies and TV shows, plus moments from Em’s own career. It’s a testament to why he’s still a beast in the game.
- Lose Yourself
“Lose Yourself” hit the streets in 2002 as part of the “8 Mile” soundtrack, where Eminem also starred. This joint became a massive hit, snatching an Academy Award for Best Original Song and ruling the charts globally. Em delivers some real talk about seizing the moment and pushing through obstacles. With its motivational lyrics and hard-hitting beat, it’s no wonder this track is iconic. The video, featuring scenes from “8 Mile” and Eminem killing it on stage, solidified its legendary status.
- The Way I Am
From his 2000 album “The Marshall Mathers LP,” “The Way I Am” is pure heat. Eminem goes in on the struggles of fame and his refusal to bow down to societal expectations. He touches on heavy topics like censorship and drug use, wrapped in his own raw experiences. The dark, intense beat, combined with Em’s unfiltered bars, makes this a fan favorite and a staple in his live shows.
- Stan
“Stan” from “The Marshall Mathers LP” tells a wild story about a fan who gets way too obsessed with Em, leading to a tragic end. Featuring a haunting hook from Dido, the track dives deep into the dark side of fame and fandom. The video, starring Devon Sawa as Stan, became an instant classic and shows why Em’s storytelling is top-notch.
- My Name Is
“My Name Is” introduced the world to Eminem in 1999 on “The Slim Shady LP.” This track is all about Em’s playful, irreverent style as he spits about everything from drug use to violence. With a catchy hook and hilarious lyrics, plus an off-the-wall music video, this song put Eminem on the map as a unique and controversial voice in hip-hop. It was a commercial smash, topping charts and staying a fan favorite.
- The Real Slim Shady
In 2000, “The Real Slim Shady” dropped on “The Marshall Mathers LP” and it’s still a banger. Eminem’s playful, irreverent delivery shines as he raps about pop culture, celebs, and censorship. The track’s catchy hook and funny lyrics, along with a music video where he parodies entertainment industry figures, made it a massive hit. This song still stands as one of Em’s most popular tracks.
- Guilty Conscience
“Guilty Conscience,” a collab with Dr. Dre from “The Slim Shady LP,” is straight fire. The track’s concept is dope, with Em and Dre playing the angel and devil on a person’s shoulder, debating right and wrong. The dark beat and the dynamic back-and-forth between Em and Dre make this a classic.
- Cleanin’ Out My Closet
From the 2002 album “The Eminem Show,” “Cleanin’ Out My Closet” is raw emotion. Em spits about his troubled relationship with his mom and his rough upbringing. The somber beat and personal lyrics make this one of his most introspective tracks. The music video, showing Slim Shady literally cleaning out his closet, drives home the themes of catharsis and self-reflection.
- Mockingbird
In 2005, “Mockingbird” from “Encore” hit different. Eminem pours his heart out about his struggles as a father and his desire to protect his daughters. The stripped-down production and heartfelt lyrics make this one of his most personal songs. The music video, featuring home footage of Em and his family, adds to the emotional impact.
- Soldier
“Soldier” from “The Eminem Show” is all about that determination. Em’s fierce delivery and aggressive bars about succeeding in the rap game and shutting down critics are fire. The intense beat and confident flow make this a fan favorite and a live show staple. The track’s themes of perseverance and resilience, combined with its raw energy and impeccable penmanship, make it unforgettable.
Special Mentions:
Kim
From the NY Times: ”Kim” is no fun as a listening experience; unlike most Eminem songs, it offers few jokes and no distance from its grisly viciousness. Eminem doesn’t let himself off the hook this time; he even calls himself by his given name, Marshall, instead of Slim Shady, the pseudonym he usually invokes to suggest he doesn’t mean all the awful things he says. This willingness to engage in ”Kim” makes it the best track on ”The Marshall Mathers LP.” That’s not to say it is morally uplifting or good educational material. But because it stays with the hate Eminem usually deploys with a casual sneer, ”Kim” reveals something about such rancor: that it comes from weakness and breeds despair. ”I don’t want to go on living in this world without you,” Eminem wails flatly in the chorus, even as he makes that horrible solitude his reality.
97’ Bonnie & Clyde
“97’ Bonnie & Clyde” can be a trip to remember. It’s from Em’s subgenre of ‘songs about dumping your wife in a car trunk,‘ but this one stands out as the ‘chill one.’ With a beat perfect for chilling out, it masks the wild, alarming lyrics that the rapper tosses around. It’s almost on par with “Kim” in graphic content but remarkably subdued.
Read More > Eminem – The Death of Slim Shady Smashes Records: Spotify’s Most-Streamed Debut of 2024
An entity of flesh and bones in pursuit of becoming a higher being. A connoisseur of the mystic arts and everything musical. His origins are unknown, and so are his true motives.
