How Eminem’s “Rap God” Destroyed Your Life (Full Lyrics)

Amazing Shout-Outs To Heavy D, Busta Rhymes, Rakim…

eminem really really really really really respects the history of hip-hop. this is the main way that, despite all the jokes, we know that he is not an interloper or a cultural robber baron. he places himself in a legacy of predecessors and ancestors (mostly black men, mind you) to whom he pays homage and attributes his success.

the importance of his allegiance to rap tradition cannot be overstated. at release, the rapgenius transcription of “Rap God” lyrics is over a quarter million views. that means, among that overwhelming number of rap fans, an unthinkable portion of them will now know how amazing heavy d and lakim shabazz were in terms of forming a context for an eminem to even exist in our time. that eminem knows he needs to thank pharaohe monch and praise d.o.c. shows, if he has any say, those luminaries will not be forgotten.

enough to make a brother get misty-eyed, for real. em just entered pat riley circles of black excellence and loyalty.