The History and Meaning Behind Eminem's "Rap God" Song

The History and Meaning Behind Eminem's "Rap God"

Eminem is often considered one of the greatest rappers of all time. His 2013 single "Rap God" showcased his immense talent and cemented his status as one of the fastest rappers in the game. The lyrically complex and rapid-fire delivery of "Rap God" stunned hip hop fans and remains one of Eminem's most iconic songs.

The Making of "Rap God"

"Rap God" was produced by Eminem along with producer Rick Rubin. The beat features a minimalist, synth-heavy production that allows Eminem's vocals to take center stage. The song was recorded over the course of two years as Eminem worked on lyrics and fine-tuned his delivery during that period.

The original version of "Rap God" clocked in at over 6 minutes long. Eminem's record label ultimately convinced him to condense it down to the 5 minute and 40 second version that was released to radio. Even in its edited form, "Rap God" packed a massive amount of lyrics into less than 6 minutes.

Breaking Down the Lyrics

The lyrics of "Rap God" feature Eminem referencing pop culture, boasting about his rap prowess, and packing in a dizzying amount of wordplay. He namedrops comic books and films, brags about his technical skills, and throws out humorous punchlines while maintaining his breathless flow.

The first verse features tongue-twisting lines like "Little gay-looking boy / So gay I can barely say it with a straight face, looking boy." He goes on to throw out pop culture references to the Fab Four and Lorena Bobbitt in the same verse.

The second verse turns more serious as Eminem raps from the perspective of a crazed fan writing him a letter. Lyrics touch on Eminem's history of prescription drug abuse and depression. It's a brief glimpse into darker subject matter before Eminem shifts back into rapid-fire boast rap.

The Groundbreaking Speed

The centerpiece of "Rap God" comes around the 4-minute mark, when Eminem kicks off what would become known as the "Rap God" passage. For about 30 seconds, Eminem raps 97 words containing 560 syllables - that's 5.46 words per second!

The "Rap God" passage set a record for the fastest rap verse at the time. Eminem racks up so many words so quickly by combining multiple rhyming syllables both within and at the end of each line. The blur of sounds and vocal gymnastics Eminem displays cemented his status as one of rap's most talented technicians.

The Controversy

While "Rap God" wowed most listeners, its lyrics sparked some controversy. Eminem's lyrical taunts aimed at evangelicals and the LGBTQ community in the first verse drew criticism from gay rights organizations like GLAAD. The song's video also features Eminem dressed as Jesus Christ in one scene - a bold statement that angered some religious groups.

However, this controversy was nothing new for Eminem. He built a career on envelope-pushing lyrics and was used to fielding protests or boycotts over his graphic lyrics. If anything, criticism over the song affirmed Eminem's commitment to rap as a provocative art form in the tradition of Ice-T, N.W.A and other controversial rap acts.

The Impact

"Rap God" became Eminem's 14th Top 40 single and won two Grammy Awards for Best Rap Performance and Best Rap Song. It showcased Eminem's talent and technical skill at the height of his rapping ability and carved out a place in rap history.

The song inspired countless rappers to try their hand at supersonic speed rapping. While a few came close, no one has definitively dethroned Eminem as the "Rap God." The glimpse into Eminem's immense talent and work ethic established "Rap God" as one of the definitive rap anthems of the 21st century.

FAQs

How long did it take Eminem to write and record “Rap God”?

Eminem worked on the lyrics and recorded the vocals for “Rap God” over the course of around two years. He slowly perfected the delivery during this time before finalizing the track.

What is the “Rap God” passage?

The “Rap God” passage refers to the segment in the song where Eminem raps 97 words in just 30 seconds. This part contains 560 syllables total and sees Eminem rapping at supersonic speed.

How fast does Eminem rap on “Rap God”?

During the “Rap God” passage, Eminem raps 5.46 words per second. This set the record for fastest rap verse at the time of the song’s release.

What controversial lyrics are in “Rap God”?

The song contains lyrics mocking evangelicals and the LGBTQ community. Eminem also appears dressed as Jesus Christ in the music video, which angered some religious groups.

Did “Rap God” win any Grammy Awards?

Yes, “Rap God” won Best Rap Performance and Best Rap Song at the 2014 Grammy Awards.