In 2013, Eminem’s Rap God took the music realm by storm. Beyond showcasing Eminem’s unmatched lyrical dexterity, the song offers a profound glimpse into his psyche, providing a window into his life, illustrious career, and the intricate tapestry of rap.
Join us as we delve deeper into the meaning and significance behind the Rap God lyrics, exploring the intricacies of the song that have captivated audiences worldwide.

The Birth of a Rap God

Rap God was released as the third single from Eminem’s eighth magnum opus, The Marshall Mathers LP 2. Rap God was crafted between 2012 and 2013 in Ferndale, Michigan. Clocking in at an impressive 6 minutes and 4 seconds and pulsating at 148 BPM, the song is relentless. Its pinnacle moment? Eminem’s “supersonic speed” segment, where he delivers a staggering 99 words in a mere 16.45 seconds, with lines like, “Summa lumma dooma lumma you assuming I’m a human.“

This section of the song has become famous for its technical prowess, with Eminem squeezing in an astounding number of words and syllables within a short timeframe. It is a testament to his unmatched skill as a wordsmith and solidifies his reputation as one of the greatest rappers of all time.

The song immediately made waves with its powerful lyrics and rapid-fire delivery, cementing Eminem’s status as a rap legend. It quickly became evident that Rap God was not just a braggadocious display of skill but a profound exploration of Eminem’s journey as an artist and a reflection of his impact on the rap industry.

A Tapestry of Cultural Allusions

Eminem artfully weaves a myriad of cultural allusions into Rap God. From nods to The Walking Dead and the viral planking phenomenon to classic video games like Pong and Super Mario Bros.
Beyond pop culture, he salutes rap luminaries such as Tupac Shakur, Run-DMC, Pharaohe Monch, Rakim, N.W.A., and Dr. Dre, underscoring his reverence for the trailblazers of rap.

Controversial Themes and Criticism

Eminem has never shied away from controversy, and Rap God is no exception. The song touches on sensitive topics, including the Bill Clinton-Monica Lewinsky scandal and the 1999 Columbine High School massacre. Eminem’s references to these events are not meant to glorify or trivialise them but rather to illustrate his willingness to address the darker aspects of society through his music.

However, it is worth noting that Eminem has faced criticism for his use of derogatory language towards homosexuals and women. He has defended his choice of words as part of the rap genre’s tradition of provocative and confrontational lyrics.

Decoding the Lyrics of Rap God 

The opening lines of the song set the stage for Eminem’s self-proclaimed status as a Rap God: “I’m beginning to feel like a Rap God.” With this declaration, Eminem asserts his dominance in the rap game, acknowledging his exceptional abilities and placing himself above his peers. It is a bold statement, but one that resonates with his unwavering confidence and undeniable talent.

While Rap God might exude confidence, Eminem’s message is multifaceted. Beyond flaunting his prodigious skills, he offers a commentary on the competitive landscape of rap. To truly shine, a rapper must be audacious, provocative, and occasionally confrontational. Eminem navigates this with candid self-awareness, confronting his tumultuous past, controversies, and intricate dynamics with women. He introspectively muses on the evolution of his lyrical themes, particularly those that sparked debates in his early days.

Record-Breaking Success

Rap God wasn’t merely a chart-topper; it carved its legacy into the annals of music. The Guinness World Records lauded it for its word density in a hit single, totaling a staggering 1,560 words in just over six minutes. This feat is a testament to Eminem’s lyrical prowess and his ability to pack an incredible amount of content into his songs.

In a Q&A with Rolling Stone, Em was asked whether he felt like a Rap God or an underdog, to which he responded:

“I think everything switches back and forth from hour to hour, day by day with me. That whole ‘Rap God’ record pretty much from top to bottom is tongue in cheek. So I mean, do I want to feel like that? Maybe sometimes. Again, it goes back to everybody who competitively raps and does this for just purely for the sport of it wants to be the best. Again, that’s why Kendrick’s verse worked so well because he only said what every rapper’s already thinking, If you don’t want to be the best, then why are you rapping?”

However, its brilliance didn’t shield it from controversy. The song’s language choices ignited discussions on artistic freedom versus societal obligations. Moreover, a legal skirmish arose when Chicago-based rapper Hotstylz highlighted a sample from their track “Lookin’ Boy.”

A Shower of Honours 

Rap God didn’t go unnoticed by the music cognoscenti. Accolades streamed in from esteemed platforms like the Detroit Music Awards, World Music Awards, and MTV Video Music Awards. The song’s visually arresting music video, peppered with pop culture tributes ranging from Max Headroom to The Matrix, further cemented its legendary stature.

The Legacy of Rap God

Rap God continues to resonate with audiences and remains a staple in Eminem’s discography. Its impact extends beyond its release, as the song has influenced countless aspiring rappers and has solidified Eminem’s status as a rap icon. Its enduring popularity and cultural relevance are a testament to the power of Eminem’s artistry and his ability to captivate audiences with his unique style.

Conclusion

Eminem’s Rap God stands as a testament to his unmatched talent and artistry. Its intricate lyrics, rapid-fire delivery, and controversial themes have cemented its place in rap history. Through this song, Eminem showcases his ability to tackle sensitive subjects, push boundaries, and maintain his status as one of the greatest rappers of all time. Rap God will undoubtedly continue to inspire and captivate audiences, solidifying its place as a cornerstone of Eminem’s illustrious career.

Eminem Rap God Lyrics

Intro
“Look, I was gonna go easy on you not to hurt your feelings”
“But I’m only going to get this one chance”Six minutes, six minutes
“Something’s wrong, I can feel it”Six minutes, Slim Shady, you’re on!
“Just a feeling I’ve got, like something’s about to happen, but I don’t know what. 
If that means what I think it means, we’re in trouble, big trouble; 
And if he is as bananas as you say, I’m not taking any chances”
“You are just what the doc ordered”

Chorus
I’m beginnin’ to feel like a Rap God, Rap God
All my people from the front to the back nod, back nod
Now, who thinks their arms are long enough to slap box, slap box?
They said I rap like a robot, so call me Rap-bot

Verse 1
But for me to rap like a computer it must be in my genes
I got a laptop in my back pocket
My pen’ll go off when I half-cock it
Got a fat knot from that rap profit
Made a livin’ and a killin’ off it
Ever since Bill Clinton was still in office
With Monica Lewinsky feelin’ on his nutsack
I’m an MC still as honest
But as rude and as indecent as all hell
Syllables, skill-a-holic (Kill ’em all with)
This flippity dippity-hippity hip-hop
You don’t really wanna get into a pissin’ match
With this rappity brat, packin’ a MAC in the back of the Ac’
Backpack rap crap, yap-yap, yackety-yack
And at the exact same time, I attempt these lyrical acrobat stunts while I’m practicin’ that
I’ll still be able to break a motherfuckin’ table
Over the back of a couple of faggots and crack it in half
Only realized it was ironic, I was signed to Aftermath after the fact
How could I not blow? All I do is drop F-bombs
Feel my wrath of attack
Rappers are havin’ a rough time period, here’s a maxi pad
It’s actually disastrously bad for the wack
While I’m masterfully constructing this masterpièce

Chorus
‘Cause I’m beginnin’ to feel like a Rap God, Rap God
All my people from the front to the back nod, back nod
Now, who thinks their arms are long enough to slap box, slap box?
Let me show you maintainin’ this shit ain’t that hard, that hard
Everybody want the key and the secret to rap immortality like Ι have got

Verse 2
Well, to be truthful the blueprint’s
Simply rage and youthful exuberance
Everybody loves to root for a nuisance
Hit the Earth like an asteroid
Did nothing but shoot for the Moon since (Pew!)
MCs get taken to school with this music
‘Cause I use it as a vehicle to “bus the rhyme”
Now I lead a new school full of students
Me? I’m a product of Rakim
Lakim Shabazz, 2Pac, N.W.A, Cube, hey Doc, Ren
Yella, Eazy, thank you, they got Slim
Inspired enough to one day grow up, blow up and be in a position
To meet Run–D.M.C., and induct them
Into the motherfuckin’ Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Even though I’ll walk in the church and burst in a ball of flames
Only Hall of Fame I’ll be inducted in is the alcohol of fame
On the wall of shame
You fags think it’s all a game,’til I walk a flock of flames
Off a plank and,tell me what in the fuck are you thinkin’?
Little gay-lookin’ boy
So gay I can barely say it with a straight face, lookin’ boy (Ha-ha!)
You’re witnessin’ a mass-occur
Like you’re watching a church gathering take place, lookin’ boy
“Oy vey, that boy’s gay!”—that’s all they say, lookin’ boy
You get a thumbs up, pat on the back
And a “way to go” from your label every day, lookin’ boy
Hey, lookin’ boy! What you say, lookin’ boy?
I get a “hell yeah” from Dre, lookin’ boy
I’ma work for everything I have, never asked nobody for shit
Get outta my face, lookin’ boy!
Basically, boy, you’re never gonna be capable
Of keepin’ up with the same pace, lookin’ boy, ’cause—

Chorus
I’m beginnin’ to feel like a Rap God, Rap God
All my people from the front to the back nod, back nod
The way I’m racin’ around the track, call me NASCAR, NASCAR
Dale Earnhardt of the trailer park, the White Trash God
Kneel before General Zod
This planet’s Krypton—no, Asgard, Asgard

Verse 3
So you’ll be Thor and I’ll be Odin
You rodent, I’m omnipotent
Let off, then I’m reloadin’
Immediately with these bombs I’m totin’
And I should not be woken
I’m the walkin’ dead, but I’m just a talkin’ head, a zombie floatin’
But I got your mom deep-throatin’
I’m out my Ramen Noodle
We have nothin’ in common, poodle
I’m a Doberman, pinch yourself in the arm and pay homage, pupil
It’s me, my honesty’s brutal
But it’s honestly futile if I don’t utilize what I do though
For good at least once in a while
So I wanna make sure somewhere in this chicken scratch I scribble and doodle enough rhymes
To maybe try to help get some people through tough times
But I gotta keep a few punchlines
Just in case ’cause even you unsigned
Rappers are hungry lookin’ at me like it’s lunchtime
I know there was a time where once I
Was king of the underground
But I still rap like I’m on my Pharoahe Monch grind
So I crunch rhymes, but sometimes when you combine
Appeal with the skin color of mine
You get too big and here they come tryin’
To censor you like that one line
I said on “I’m Back” from The Mathers LP 1 when I
Tried to say I’ll take seven kids from Columbine
Put ’em all in a line, add an AK-47, a revolver and a 9
See if I get away with it now that I ain’t as big as I was,but I’m
Morphin’ into an immortal, comin’ through the portal
You’re stuck in a time warp from 2004 though
And I don’t know what the fuck that you rhyme for
You’re pointless as Rapunzel with fuckin’ cornrows
You write normal? Fuck being normal!
And I just bought a new raygun from the future
Just to come and shoot ya,like when Fabolous made Ray J mad
‘Cause Fab said he looked like a fag at Mayweather’s pad
Singin’ to a man while he played piano
Man, oh man, that was a 24/7 special on the cable channel
So Ray J went straight to the radio station
The very next day, “Hey Fab, I’ma kill you!”
Lyrics comin’ at you at supersonic speed (J.J. Fad)
Uh, summa-lumma, dooma-lumma,you assumin’ I’m a human
What I gotta do to get it through to you? I’m superhuman
Innovative and I’m made of rubberso that anything you say is ricochetin’ off of me and it’ll glue to you and
I’m devastating, more than ever demonstrating
How to give a motherfuckin’ audience a feeling like it’s levitating
Never fading, and I know the haters are forever waiting
For the day that they can say I fell off, they’ll be celebrating
‘Cause I know the way to get ’em motivated
I make elevating music, you make elevator music
“Oh, he’s too mainstream.”
Well, that’s what they do when they get jealous, they confuse it
“It’s not hip-hop, it’s pop,”—’cause I found a hella way to fuse it
With rock,shock rap with Doc
Throw on “Lose Yourself” and make ’em lose it
“I don’t know how to make songs like that
I don’t know what words to use.”
Let me know when it occurs to you
While I’m rippin’ any one of these verses that versus you
It’s curtains, I’m inadvertently hurtin’ you
How many verses I gotta murder to
Prove that if you were half as nice, your songs you could sacrifice virgins too?!
Ugh, school flunky, pill junkie
But look at the accolades these skills brung me
Full of myself, but still hungry
I bully myself ’cause I make me do what I put my mind to
And I’m a million leagues above you
Ill when I speak in tongues,but it’s still tongue-in-cheek,fuck you
I’m drunk, so, Satan, take the fucking wheel
I’ma sleep in the front seat
Bumpin’ Heavy D and the Boyz, still “Chunky but Funky”
But in my head there’s something I can feel tugging and struggling
Angels fight with devils and here’s what they want from me
They’re askin’ me to eliminate some of the women hate
But if you take into consideration the bitter hatred
I have, then you may be a little patient
And more sympathetic to the situation
And understand the discrimination
But fuck it, life’s handin’ you lemons? Make lemonade then!
But if I can’t batter the women
How the fuck am I supposed to bake ’em a cake then?
Don’t mistake him for Satan
It’s a fatal mistake if you think I need to be overseas and take a vacation
To trip a broad, and make her fall on her face and
Don’t be a retard—be a king? Think not
Why be a king when you can be a god?