Eminem’s “Venom”: How Rap Became the Voice of Modern Superhero Films

Rap songs and superhero movies—an unexpected combination, yet somehow it works.

And at the centre of this unlikely pairing is Eminem’s “Venom,” the high-energy track that roared through the end credits of the 2018 film Venom.

But why did this song, with its relentless energy and chaotic wordplay, become the anthem for a Marvel anti-hero?

And what does it say about the role of rap in blockbuster soundtracks today? Let’s break it down, rhyme by rhyme, verse by verse.

A Song Made for Chaos: The Story Behind “Venom”

Eminem’s “Venom” was released alongside his surprise album Kamikaze in 2018, quickly becoming the closing anthem for the Venom movie, starring Tom Hardy as Eddie Brock.

The track is classic Eminem: rapid-fire verses, heavy beats, and a plethora of references that make you pause and ask, “Did he really just say that?”

It’s the perfect match for a film about a symbiote that takes over a man’s life, turning him into something between hero and villain.

Eminem’s aggressive style captures the unruly spirit of Venom, blending perfectly with the character’s unpredictable nature.

This wasn’t just a random choice for a soundtrack—it’s a musical embodiment of the movie’s wild energy.

And on 8th March 2022, the song achieved a significant milestone, earning a double platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).

Why “Venom” is More Than Just a Movie Tie-In

So, what is Eminem’s “Venom” about? It’s a high-energy rap track that perfectly complements the chaotic spirit of the 2018 Venom movie.

With aggressive lyrics and a relentless rhythm, the song mirrors the struggle between Eddie Brock and the alien symbiote.

It’s more than just a soundtrack—it’s an extension of the film’s themes of conflict, transformation, and duality.

Eminem packs the lyrics with imagery and metaphors that speak directly to the film’s themes. Lines like “Knock knock, let the devil in” symbolise the symbiote’s invasive force in Eddie’s life.

The devilish imagery aligns with the darker undertones of Venom’s character.

In another verse, he raps, “Adrenaline momentum,” reflecting the frenetic pace and constant tension between Eddie and his parasitic partner.

It’s a lyrical ride that makes listeners feel like they’re caught in the same whirlwind as the characters.

Delving Deeper into the “Venom” Lyrics

Eminem’s verses in “Venom” aren’t just packed with energy—they carry a weight that ties into the narrative of the movie.

One line that stands out is, “When the world gives you a raw deal, sets you off ’til you scream, ‘Piss off! Screw you!’”

This could easily describe Eddie Brock’s life before bonding with the symbiote.

A journalist down on his luck, facing rejection, and desperate for a comeback—Eddie is a perfect match for the aggressive tone Eminem brings to the track.

The chorus, “Venom, (I got that) adrenaline momentum,” encapsulates the essence of the entire song.

It’s all about never slowing down, always being on edge, and embracing the chaos.

Eminem’s use of words like “venom” and “momentum” conveys a sense of unstoppable force, which matches the relentless nature of the Venom symbiote and its dynamic with Eddie Brock.

It’s a song that’s all teeth—sharp, biting, and ready to sink in.

Rap and Superheroes: A Perfect Match or a Strange Trend?

Eminem isn’t the only artist to bring rap into the superhero world. Think of Kendrick Lamar’s contribution to Black Panther or Run the Jewels’ music in Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.

But what makes rap such a fitting choice for these films? Perhaps it’s the genre’s roots in expressing defiance, struggle, and the fight against the odds.

It sounds very similar to what most superheroes go through, doesn’t it?

Eminem’s “Venom” takes this a step further, not just scoring the film but embodying its darker, edgier tone.

It’s raw, it’s chaotic, and it’s not trying to be anything it’s not—just like Venom himself.

For fans, it’s a satisfying blend of rap’s rebellious spirit with a superhero narrative that refuses to play by the usual rules.

The Impact of “Venom” on Eminem’s Career

For Eminem, “Venom” marked a new chapter. While he’s no stranger to theatricality—remember “Lose Yourself” from 8 Mile?—this track allowed him to step into the world of comic book chaos.

It might not have been his deepest lyrical work, but it certainly packed a punch. And let’s be honest, who else could pull off a line like, “My fangs are in your throat, ho,” in a movie soundtrack?

The song might not have topped every chart, but it became a cult favourite among fans of the film and the rapper alike.

It showed that even after decades in the game, Eminem could still surprise listeners, whether they’re die-hard fans or just catching the end credits of a superhero flick.

Its certification as double platinum further cements its impact, proving that the track’s energy resonated with listeners far beyond the cinema.

What Makes “Venom” Stick in the Mind of Fans?

So, why do people still talk about “Venom”? It’s not just the catchy chorus or Eminem’s rapid delivery.

It’s the way the song taps into the essence of the Venom movie, with lyrics that capture the internal conflict, the chaos, and the constant tension of being caught between two worlds.

It’s a musical rollercoaster that mirrors the film’s wild ride.

For listeners, the track is an adrenaline rush that doesn’t let up, much like the movie itself.

And in a time when most superhero films play it safe, the pairing of Venom and Eminem’s track felt like a welcome curveball—unpolished, unpredictable, and unforgettable.

Where Rap Meets Blockbusters Next

Eminem’s “Venom” is a standout, but it’s also part of a larger trend where rap finds a home in big-screen superhero stories.

It’s proof that sometimes, the raw energy of a rap track is exactly what a film needs to stand out.

And with the success of these collaborations, who knows what other unexpected musical pairings are on the horizon?

One thing’s for sure: when it comes to blending music with film, rap has become a genre that’s not just surviving—it’s thriving.

And in the case of Venom, it’s left an indelible mark that fans won’t forget anytime soon.

Eminem Venom Lyrics

Intro
I got a song filled with shit for the strong-willed
When the world gives you a raw deal
Sets you off ’til you scream, “Piss off! Screw you!”
When it talks to you like you don’t belong
Or tells you you’re in the wrong field
When something’s in your mitochondrial
‘Cause it latched on to you, like—

Verse 1
Knock knock, let the devil in
Manevolent as I’ve ever been, head is spinnin’
This medicine’s screamin’, “L-L-L-Let us in!”
L-L-L-Like a salad bowl, Edgar Allan Poe
Bedridden, shoulda been dead a long time ago
Liquid Tylenol, gelatins, think my skeleton’s meltin’
Wicked, I get all high when I think I’ve smelled the scent
Of elephant manure—hell, I meant Kahlúa
Screw it, to hell with it, I went through hell with accelerants
And blew up my-my-myself again
Volkswagen, tailspin, bucket matches my pale skin
Mayo and went from Hellmann’s and being rail thin
Filet-o-Fish, Scribble Jam, Rap Olympics ’97 Freaknik
How can I be down? Me and Bizarre in Florida
Proof’s room slept on the floor of ‘da motel then
Dr. Dre said, “Hell yeah!”
And I got his stamp like a postcard, word to Mel-Man
And I know they’re gonna hate
But I don’t care, I barely can wait
To hit ’em with the snare and the bass
Square in the face, this fuckin’ world better prepare to get laced
Because they’re gonna taste my—

Chorus
Venom, (I got that) adrenaline momentum
And I’m not knowin’ when I’m
Ever gonna slow up and I’m
Ready to snap any moment I’m
Thinkin’ it’s time to go get ’em
They ain’t gonna know what hit ’em
(W-W-When they get bit with the—)
Venom, (I got that) adrenaline momentum
And I’m not knowin’ when I’m
Ever gonna slow up and I’m
Ready to snap any moment I’m
Thinkin’ it’s time to go get ’em
They ain’t gonna know what hit ’em
(W-W-When they get bit with the—)

Verse 2
I said knock knock, let the devil in
Shotgun p-p-pellets in the felt pen
Cocked, fuck around and catch a hot one
It-it’s evident I’m not done
V-Venomous, the thoughts spun
Like a web and you just caught in ’em
Held against your will like a hubcap or mud flap
Beat strangler attack
So this ain’t gonna feel like a love tap
Eat painkiller pills, fuck up the track
Like, what’s her name’s at the wheel? Danica Patrick
Threw the car into reverse at the Indy, a nut crashin’
Into ya, the back of it just mangled steel
My Mustang and the Jeep Wrangler grill
With the front smashed, much as my rear fender, assassin
Slim be a combination of an actual kamikaze and Gandhi (Gandhi)
Translation, I will probably kill us both
When I end up backin’ into ya
You ain’t gonna be able to tell what the fuck’s happenin’ to ya
When you’re bit with the—

Chorus
Venom, adrenaline momentum
And I’m not knowin’ when I’m
Ever gonna slow up and I’m
Ready to snap any moment I’m
Thinkin’ it’s time to go get ’em
They ain’t gonna know what hit ’em
(W-W-When they get bit with the—)
Venom, (I got that) adrenaline momentum
And I’m not knowin’ when I’m
Ever gonna slow up and I’m
Ready to snap any moment I’m
Thinkin’ it’s time to go get ’em
They ain’t gonna know what hit ’em
(W-W-When they get bit with the—)

Verse 3
I said knock knock, let the devil in
Alien, E-E-Elliott phone home
Ain’t no telling when this chokehold
On this game will end, I’m loco
Became a Symbiote, so
My fangs are in your throat, ho
You’re snake-bitten with my—venom
With the ballpoint pen I’m
Gun cocked, bump stock, double-aught, buckshot
Tire thumper, a garrote, tie a couple knots
Fired up and caught fire, juggernaut
Punk rock, bitch, it’s goin’ down like Yung Joc
‘Cause the Doc put me on like sunblock
Why the fuck not, you only get one shot
Ate shit ’til I can’t taste it
Chased it with straight liquor
Then paint thinner, then drank ’til I faint
And awake with a headache
And I take anything in rectangular shape
Then I wait to face the demons I’m bonded to
‘Cause they’re chasin’ me but I’m part of you
So escapin’ me is impossible
I latch onto you like a—parasite
And I probably ruined your parents’ life
And your childhood too
‘Cause if I’m the music that y’all grew up on
I’m responsible for you retarded fools
I’m the super villain Dad and Mom was losin’ their marbles to
You marvel that? Eddie Brock is you
And I’m the suit, so call me—