Eminem the Nike Spokesperson; 'Just Do It' by Jack Shelley

My eyes wonder the screen as my thumb flicks upward and the text scrolls downward. A line catches my eye, “...only artist in history with two diamond certified albums.” I knew his was big, but I had no idea he was that big. I quickly jot it down for later, sure that it will come in hand at some point. As you can probably tell, that point is now. Marshall Mathers III, more commonly known by his alias, Eminem, is one of the most celebrated and successful artists of all time. His unique style and delivery has made him one of the most famous and influential rappers ever, and brought him from the slums of Detroit to his multi-million dollar mansion in Michigan. He epitomizes the “American Dream.”

“Lose Yourself” is one of Eminem’s greatest hits. It is an inspirational anthem that represents perseverance and overcoming challenge. The song released in 2002 as part of the soundtrack from 8 Mile, (officially titled “Music from and Inspired by the Motion Picture 8 Mile”,) a semi-autobiographical movie based on Eminem’s own life, where Eminem essentially plays himself renamed into the character, “B. Rabbit.” The song contains many reference to the film, which received widespread critical acclaim. In the song, Eminem uses rhyme, repetition, and loaded language to communicate the theme that you need to lose yourself in the moment and seize any opportunity you receive because it might be your best shot at success. It conveys the message of perseverance in the face of a daunting task, and that if you fail at first, keep working hard and you will receive another shot at success.

Link to Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Yhyp-_hX2s

Eminem effectively communicates this message when he uses rhyme and repetition in the chorus by discussing the importance of seizing opportunity; “You own it, you better never let it go / You only get one shot, do not miss your chance to blow,” (“Lose” 26-27). When he rhymes “never let it go” with “chance to blow,” Eminem links the idea of capturing the moment (“You own it, [the moment] you better never let it go”) with the supporting reason that you need to capture the moment because you might not get another shot, (“You only get one shot, do not miss your chance to blow”). Repetition is also used when Eminem says that “you better let it let it go” and “do not miss your chance to blow,” as he is essentially repeating the song’s central message that you need to capture the moment, because these lines are repeated throughout the song, as it is part of the chorus.

Eminem also uses loaded language in the third verse when he references a moment in 8 Mile where Rabbit, (Eminem’s character,) chokes in a rap battle and is booed off of the stage. In the song, Eminem raps, “No more games, I’ma change what you call rage / Tear this motherfucking roof off like two dogs caged,” (“Lose” 59-60). In these lines, Eminem is explaining how Rabbit is determined to seize any second opportunity he might receive. When Eminem uses the ‘loaded’ words, “Tear this motherfucking roof off…,” he is explaining how if Rabbit receives another opportunity to participate in a rap battle he will not choke again, instead he will seize the opportunity and do extremely well. This reveals the message the message that you need to lose yourself in the moment and seize your chance at success as it might be your best chance. Eminem explains that you need to give every opportunity at success you everything, and even if you fail at first, you must keep working hard so when another opportunity arises, you are prepared to  succeed.

One of “Lose Yourself”’s greatest strengths is how Eminem effectively conveys a powerful message while also connecting the song back to the movie the song references and was made from, 8 Mile. In many of the verses, he references the movie while also giving messages that apply to real life as well. For instance, in the first verse, Eminem says, “When he goes back to his back to his mobile home, that’s when it’s / Back to the lab again, yo / This whole rhapsody / He better go capture this moment and hope it don’t pass him,” (“Lose” 21-24”). In these lines, Eminem talks about Rabbit’s mindset and situation in a specific part of 8 Mile, while also communicating the message that you need to seize any opportunity at success because it might pass you and leave you back where you started. This is a key element of the song because it not only does its job in explaining Eminem’s (Rabbit’s) journey through 8 Mile, but it also conveys a powerful message that many people can relate to and apply to their own lives. A second strength in the song is Eminem’s use of tone. In each verse, Eminem’s tone accurately reflects the intended message of that verse. In the second verse, when Eminem raps, “Tear this motherfucking roof off like two dogs caged / I was in the beginning, the mood all changed / I’ve been chewed up and spit out and booed off stage” (“Lose” 60-62) he uses a loud, intense, “in-your-face” tone that adds to and supports the message that (in 8 Mile,) Rabbit is determined to succeed after experiencing humiliation and failure when he choked in his first rap battle.

While each verse contains a deeper meaning, connection/reference to 8 Mile, or powerful message, Eminem would have been able to improve the general flow of the song if he switched, (not word for word,) the first and second verses. In the second verse Eminem raps, “His hoes don’t want him no more, he’s cold product / They moved on to the next schmoe who flows / He nose dove and sold nada / So the soap opera is told and unfolds / I suppose it’s old partner but the beat goes on / Da da dum da-dum da da” (“Lose” 45-50). In these lines, he is saying how the system (society) always finds the newest, hottest artist and exploits him until he stops producing, and when the artist falters, they are replaced by a new, different artist and the spotlight shifts. If Eminem said this in the first first instead of the second, it would have set the stage and tone for the verses to come, while also giving an introduction to the theme.

In conclusion, “Lose Yourself” is an inspirational anthem that communicates an essential message to its widespread audience; you need to lose yourself in the moment and seize any opportunity you receive, and if you fail, keep working hard and another opportunity will arise. This song and its message inspires me often when I listen to it before a big game, as I connect to the song and message in my own way. I always thinking about “losing myself” as in the moment if my soccer games. Although saving a shot (I’m a goalie) might not not be the same as “seizing an opportunity at success,” I think of it as “succeeding” in the moment and saving my team from failure. This song not only applies to me, but to everyone else that ever finds themselves in a situation that requires them to perform a task that could help lead them to success or victory. Almost everyone can relate to the general message of “Lose Yourself,” which is what makes the message it conveys relevant to today. Almost every person, at some time in their lives, has been in a situation where they had to “capture the moment.” Through his lyrics, Eminem encourages all of “Lose Yourself”’s listeners to go and pursue their dreams because through hard work and perseverance, anything is possible. Evidence of this is found in the last line where Eminem says, “You can do anything you set your mind to, man” (“Lose” 91). This is his call for his listeners to chase their dreams and do what they want to do, because if you set your mind to it, you can achieve anything.