Everyone Eminem attacks on surprise new album Kamikaze, from Donald Trump to Tyler the Creator
The rapper has hit out at those who criticised his previous record in controversial fashion
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Throughout his 19-year career, Eminem has been unafraid to divide critics – and his latest release, surprise new record Kamikaze, is already courting controversy.
The album, co-produced by Dr Dre, consists of 13 tracks and includes a song recorded for forthcoming film Venom, which stars Tom Hardy.
One skit lasts for just under a minute and features a voicemail left by his music manager, Paul Rosenberg, who asks: “Are you really going just to deride everybody who you don’t like what they have to say about you or the stuff you’re working on? I don’t know if that’s really a great idea.”
Eminem ignores the advice as Kamikaze is loaded with shots at other people, the Detroit rapper going after those who tore into his previous record Revival which was released eight months ago. He also attacks fellow rapper Tyler, the Creator, using a homophobic slur in relation to the Odd Future rapper on "Fall", which features Bon Iver's Justin Vernon.
Below is a track-by-track run through of every person he takes a shot at on Kamikaze.
“The Ringer”
On the album’s opening track, Eminem tears into Lil Yachty, Lil Pump and Lil Xan for “imitating” Lil Wayne, branding these rappers “goners” for not matching the quality of Kendrick Lamar, J Cole and Big Sean.
“Get this f****** audio out my audio, adios,” he raps. “I can see why people like Lil Yachty, but not me though / Not even dissin’, it just ain’t for me.”
Also on “The Ringer,” Eminem slams “evil serpent” Donald Trump, referencing the two blistering freestyles he performed about the US president last year:
“[Trump] sent the Secret Service to meet in person / To see if I really think of hurtin’ him,” he raps, adding: “I empathise with the people this evil serpent sold the dream to that he’s deserted.”
“Lucky You”
On this track, which features Joyner Lucas, Eminem decries the rise of mumble rappers.
“And mumble, oh f*** it / I’m goin’ for the jugular / This shit is a circus, you clowns that are comin’ up don’t give an ounce of mother f*** / about the ones that were here before you that make raps.”
Enjoy unlimited access to 100 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music
Sign up now for a 4 month free trial (3 months for non-Prime members)
Enjoy unlimited access to 100 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music
Sign up now for a 4 month free trial (3 months for non-Prime members)
“Not Alike”
It’s Machine Gun Kelly who gets skewered by the Detroit rapper who here warns him against speaking about his daughter, Hailie.
“But next time you don’t gotta use Tech N9ne if you wanna come at me with a sub-machine gun / And I’m talking to you but you already know who the f*** you are, Kelly / I don’t use sublims and sure as f*** don’t sneak-diss / But keep commenting on my daughter Hailie”.
Later in the track, Eminem references the Harvey Weinstein scandal, rapping: “I Harvey Weinstein, a bathrobe hanging open / My code name is groper, I roleplay with lotion / I f***** on the world then I throw away the Trojan.”
"Fall"
It’s this track that sees Eminem refuse to hold back, criticising several rappers for attempting to emulate the likes of Jay-Z, Migos and Drake. It's his former friend Joe Budden that he seems most furious with. Budden was one of Revival‘s biggest critics, branding it “one of the worst records [he’d] ever heard.”
Eminem raps: “Somebody tell Budden before I snap / He better fasten it / Or have his body bag get zipped / The closest thing he’s had to hits / Is smacking bitches”
Tyler, the Creator fails to evade Eminem’s targets in one of the album’s more controversial moments due to his use of a homophobic slur.
“Tyler create nothing, I see why you called yourself a f***** bitch / It’s not just ‘cause you lack attention / It’s because you worship D12’s balls, you’re sacrilegious / If you’re gonna critique me, you better at least be as good or better.”
His long-time rivalry with Lord Jamar also gets mentioned: And far as Lord Jamar, you better leave me the hell alone / Or I’ll show you an Elvis clone, walk up in this house you own / Thrust my pelvic bone, use your telephone, then go fetch me the remote / Put my feet up and just make myself at home
Kamikaze is available to listen to on Apple Music, Deezer, Spotify, Amazon and iTunes.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments