Eminem’s “Lose Yourself”- Still an anthem almost 20 years later
With one of the most memorable guitar riffs known in the modern music world, “Lose Yourself” retains its spot on most playlists as a favorite psych-up song.
At sporting events the world over, you are bound to come across this 2002 hit as athletes pump up for their big game, swim, or run.
The semi-autobiographical rap song from notorious rapper Eminem, also known as Marshall Mathers, reshaped the world of pop music when it came out in October 2002.
Of course, using music from the official soundtrack of a movie as the single for promotional material was nothing new. Still, this track from the movie 8 Mile crashed onto the Billboard charts (and stayed at number one for a dazzling 12 weeks) and broke a few rules and records on the way.
Awards
“Lose yourself” surprised everyone by becoming the first rap song to win an Academy Award for Best Original Song. The song also won a Grammy Award for Best Rap Song as well as Best Solo Performance.
To this day, Eminem remains an icon with his latest musical offering “Songs to be Murdered By” popping onto the Billboard charts at number one. With such talent, you can bet another grammy might be in his future.
You really could because nowadays, people can even place these types of bets online.
Several Eminem’s songs have received Grammy’s over the years, so he is no stranger to the famous golden horn, but it seems that this particular track has the masses in a vice.
More than meets the eye
A simple read-through of the lyrics places the audience in a world of high stakes, deep disappointment, and the pressures that come with growing up in a mobile home. From the very first ambient piano notes layered under engrossing lyrics, it forces the listener into the story.
Whether you’re a fan of rap music or not, very few people can resist the urgent narrative delivery synonymous with the song.
Eminem wrote the lyrics in the character of Jimmy “B-Rabbit” Smith Jr, the character he played in the film 8 Mile.
He wrote the song between takes while sitting in his trailer. The engaging narrative tone and emotional connection that comes across so powerfully, regardless of whether or not you’ve ever seen the film, are what make this song so powerful and relatable.
The song received critical acclaim and is one of only three rap songs that made it onto Rolling Stone Magazine’s “500 Greatest Songs of all Time” list.
In addition, a survey by music app Spotify revealed that “Lose Yourself” was in the top 20 most popular songs on running playlists in 2020, solidifying the song as a timeless hit that speaks through generations.
No matter where you are, this song has the power to unify the collective voice - a voice urging you to take your shot, to lose yourself in the moment.