12 Times Eminem Spit Lyrical Fire
2. Role Model (The Slim Shady LP)
Appearing on Eminem’s breakthrough album, The Slim Shady LP, Role Model is pure sarcasm. In his 2000 book, Angry Blonde, Em remembers he was just having fun when writing the song. He wanted to let everyone know he wasn’t to be looked up to, practically forecasting future indictments against him for influencing the youth of the time.
Sarcastically referencing his type of shenanigans, Role Model’s lyrics humorously go through scenarios such as ripping Hilary Clinton’s ‘tonsils out and [feeding] her sherbet,’ shoplifting, and tying a rope around his penis and jumping from a tree. However, where this track excels is in the lines, ‘my mind won’t work if my spine don’t jerk / I slapped Garth Brooks out of his rhinestone shirt.’ Containing double meaning, these lines add to Em’s anti role model status, declaring how he is addicted to drugs (as abuse can lead to a depletion of spinal fluid) and does reckless things as a result. These lines can also be a statement about the love he feels towards his genre, making a statement that Hip-hop beats stimulate him, and other types of music, such as Garth Brooks’ Country music, make Eminem angry.
Role Model is one of the greatest tracks from Eminem’s first album released on a major record label, and his lyrics, delivery, and a simplistically effective beat produced by Dr Dre make it essential listening for any fan of Hip-hop.