Introduction to “Killshot”
In the rap game, few artists can stir the pot as explosively as Eminem.
Known for his sharp wit, unfiltered commentary, and unparalleled lyrical skills, Eminem has built a career on controversy and confrontation.
One of the most riveting chapters in his storied career unfolded in 2018 with the release of Killshot, a track that not only reignited his relevance in the rap game but also became a cultural touchstone for diss tracks.
Even six years later, Killshot continues to resonate, serving as a masterclass in lyrical combat and a testament to Eminem’s enduring legacy.
Killshot is a narrative woven with precision and intensity, a direct response to Machine Gun Kelly’s (MGK) “Rap Devil.”
This feud, which had been simmering for years, burst into the public eye with a ferocity that captivated both hardcore hip-hop fans and casual listeners alike.
The track’s release on September 14, 2018, marked a pivotal moment in modern rap history, showcasing Eminem’s ability to dominate the discourse with his biting lyricism and unrelenting delivery.
As we delve into the intricate layers of Killshot, we’ll explore the context behind the feud, dissect the lyrics that left no stone unturned, and examine the track’s lasting impact on the music industry.
From its explosive debut on YouTube to its significant chart success, Killshot remains a powerful reminder of why Eminem is considered one of the greatest rappers of all time.
KillShot Backstory: How It All Began
The feud between Eminem and Machine Gun Kelly traces its origins back to a tweet MGK made in 2012 about Eminem’s daughter, Hailie Jade.
Though the tweet was posted years earlier, it resurfaced in various interviews and discussions, keeping the tension alive.
Eminem’s eventual response on the track “Not Alike” from his 2018 surprise album Kamikaze further fueled the fire, leading to MGK’s retaliatory “Rap Devil.”
In a four-part interview series with Sway, Eminem elaborated on the reasons behind his response, clarifying that MGK’s tweet about Hailie was just the tip of the iceberg.
Eminem revealed that MGK’s subliminal disses during Power 106’s May 2017 “L.A. Leakers (Freestyle)” and his verse on Tech N9ne’s March 2018 track, “No Reason,” were significant factors that prompted him to strike back.
The Release and Impact of “Killshot”
Killshot was released just eleven days after “Rap Devil,” a track that had MGK taking shots at Eminem’s age, relevance, and career.
Eminem teased his response during a four-part interview series with Sway, heightening anticipation among fans.
When Killshot finally dropped, it quickly became the biggest YouTube debut for a hip-hop video ever, amassing 38.1 million views within the first 24 hours.
It also debuted at #3 on the Billboard Hot 100, cementing its place in the annals of hip-hop history.
Eminem “Killshot” Lyrics Breakdown and Analysis
Intro: Setting the Tone
The track opens with a mocking tone:
You sound like a b*tch, b*tch: Shut the fuck up: When your fans become your haters: You done?
In the Killshot lyrics, Eminem immediately sets the stage by ridiculing MGK’s attempts to discredit him, emphasising the futility of MGK’s insults.
The repetition of “b*tch” serves to emasculate and demean MGK right from the start.
Verse 1: Personal Jabs and Industry Commentary
The first verse is packed with personal insults and industry commentary:
Rihanna just hit me on a text; Last night I left hickeys on her neck; Wait, you just dissed me? I’m perplexed; Insult me in a line, compliment me on the next
Eminem highlights the contradictory nature of MGK’s insults, pointing out the inconsistency and desperation in MGK’s approach.
The mention of Rihanna adds a layer of personal embarrassment for MGK, suggesting that Eminem’s life is full of glamorous distractions.
He continues:
Damn, I’m really sorry you want me to have a heart attack; Was watchin’ 8 Mile on my Nordic Track Realized I forgot to call you back; Here’s that autograph for your daughter, I wrote it on a Starter cap
Here, Eminem mocks MGK’s perceived obsession with him, referencing his own movie 8 Mile and flipping MGK’s narrative of seeking approval into a form of condescension.
The “Starter cap” reference is a callback to Eminem’s song Stan, drawing a parallel between MGK’s fandom and the obsessive behaviour of the character Stan.
Verse 2: Career Comparisons and Lyrical Dominance
Eminem delves deeper into the comparison between his career and MGK’s:
But I’m 45 and I’m still outselling you By 29, I had three albums that had blew Now let’s talk about somethin’ I don’t really do Go in someone’s daughter’s mouth stealin’ food; But you’re a fuckin’ mole hill, now I’ma make a mountain out of you
Eminem underscores his commercial success and longevity in the industry, contrasting it sharply with MGK’s relatively modest achievements.
The “mole hill” to “mountain” line suggests that MGK is insignificant in comparison to Eminem’s career.
He then addresses the physical threats MGK made:
Say you’ll run up on me like a phone bill, sprayin’ lead (Brrt) Playin’ dead, that’s the only time you hold still (Hold up)
This line dismisses MGK’s tough talk, implying that MGK’s threats are as empty as the acts of a poseur.
Verse 3: MGK’s Career and Eminem’s Legacy
In the final verse, Eminem dissects MGK’s career while reinforcing his own legacy:
You ain’t never made a list next to no Biggie, no Jay Next to Taylor Swift and that Iggy ho, you about to really blow Kelly, they’ll put your name next to Ja, next to Benzino—die, motherfucker!
Eminem lists iconic artists to emphasise MGK’s absence from such company, predicting MGK’s fall from grace.
By grouping MGK with notorious rap enemies like Ja Rule and Benzino, Eminem underscores the futility and predictability of MGK’s fate.
He concludes with a devastating blow:
But Kells, the day you put out a hit’s the day Diddy admits That he put the hit out that got Pac killed, ah
This line is a masterstroke of controversy and speculation, connecting MGK’s failure to the unresolved mystery of Tupac’s death, thus amplifying the diss’s impact.
The Feud’s Cultural Impact
The release of Killshot not only highlighted Eminem’s lyrical prowess but also sparked discussions about the state of rap battles and the relevance of diss tracks in modern hip-hop.
The track’s record-breaking YouTube debut and its rapid climb on the Billboard charts demonstrated the public’s hunger for high-stakes lyrical confrontations.
Fan Theories and Conspiracies
Some fans have speculated that the feud was orchestrated to boost both artists’ profiles.
Evidence for this includes the rapid release of response tracks and the shared production credits of Ronny J.
However, the intensity and personal nature of the lyrics suggest a genuine animosity, making the true nature of their feud a topic of ongoing debate.
Industry Reactions
The hip-hop community had mixed reactions to Killshot. Artists like G-Eazy, Joyner Lucas, and Royce da 5’9” showed support for Eminem, while others pondered the implications of such high-profile beefs on the genre’s future.
Contextualising the Feud: A History of Rap Battles
Eminem is no stranger to rap beef. Throughout his career, he has engaged in lyrical battles with various artists, including Ja Rule, Benzino, and even pop stars like Mariah Carey.
These conflicts often serve as a platform for Eminem to showcase his superior lyrical skills and wit.
Killshot is a continuation of this tradition, reaffirming Eminem’s position as a master of the diss track.
The Technical Mastery of “Killshot”
Killshot is not just a collection of insults; it is a demonstration of Eminem’s technical mastery.
The track features complex rhyme schemes, multi-syllabic rhymes, and intricate wordplay.
For example:
How the fuck can him and I battle? He’ll have to fuck Kim in my flannel I’ll give him my sandals’Cause he knows, long as I’m Shady, he’s gon’ have to live in my shadow
The internal rhymes and the clever wordplay in these lines showcase Eminem’s skill in constructing verses that are both rhythmically engaging and intellectually stimulating.
The Personal and the Political
Eminem’s diss tracks often blend personal attacks with broader cultural critiques.
In Killshot, he not only targets MGK’s career and persona but also comments on the state of the music industry, the nature of fame, and the generational divide in hip-hop:
I’m sick of you bein’ wack And still usin’ that mothafuckin’ Auto-Tune So let’s talk about it (Let’s talk about it) I’m sick of your mumble rap mouth Need to get the cock up out it Before we can even talk about it (Talk about it)
This critique of auto-tune and mumble rap reflects Eminem’s disdain for what he perceives as a decline in lyrical quality and authenticity in modern hip-hop.
The Aftermath of “Killshot”
The release of Killshot had a significant impact on both Eminem and MGK’s careers.
For Eminem, it was a reaffirmation of his dominance in the rap game, proving that he could still generate massive interest and deliver high-quality content.
For MGK, Killshot was a harsh reminder of the challenges of taking on a rap legend.
While “Rap Devil” did earn MGK some notoriety, Killshot overshadowed it with its sheer ferocity and technical brilliance.
Chart Success and Critical Reception
Killshot not only broke YouTube records but also achieved significant chart success.
The track debuted at #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and quickly went platinum.
Critics praised the song for its sharp lyrics and Eminem’s delivery, cementing its status as one of the most impactful diss tracks in recent memory.
Conclusion: “Killshot’s Legacy”
Killshot dismantled MGK’s arguments but also reaffirmed Eminem’s place in hip-hop history.
Whether viewed as a calculated publicity stunt or a genuine clash of egos, the Eminem-MGK feud, encapsulated in Killshot, remains a defining moment in contemporary rap battles.
For those who haven’t yet experienced the raw intensity of this track, it’s a must-listen.
Dive into the Eminem Killshot lyrics and witness one of the most compelling lyrical takedowns in recent hip-hop history.
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Eminem Killshot Lyrics
Intro
You sound like a bitch, bitch
Shut the fuck up
When your fans become your haters
You done?
Fuckin’ beard’s weird
Alright
You yellin’ at the mic, fuckin’ weird beard (You want smoke)
We doin’ this once
You yellin’ at the mic, your beard’s weird
Why you yell at the mic?(Illa)
Verse
Rihanna just hit me on a text
Last night I left hickeys on her neck
Wait, you just dissed me? I’m perplexed
Insult me in a line, compliment me on the next
Damn, I’m really sorry you want me to have a heart attack
Was watchin’ 8 Mile on my NordicTrack
Realized I forgot to call you back
Here’s that autograph for your daughter, I wrote it on a Starter cap
Stan, Stan, son, listen, man, Dad isn’t mad
But how you gonna name yourself after a damn gun and have a man-bun?
The giant’s woke, eyes open, undeniable
Supplyin’ smoke, got the fire stoked
Say you got me in a scope, but you grazed me
I say one call to Interscope and you’re Swayze
Your reply got the crowd yelling, “Woo!”
So before you die let’s see who can out-petty who
Wit’ your corny lines (“Slim, you’re old”)—ow, Kelly, ooh
But I’m 45 and I’m still outselling you
By 29, I had three albums that had blew
Now let’s talk about somethin’ I don’t really do
Go in someone’s daughter’s mouth stealin’ food
But you’re a fuckin’ mole hill, now I’ma make a mountain out of you (Woo!)
Ho, chill, actin’ like you put the chrome barrel to my bone marrow
Gunner? Bitch, you ain’t a bow and arrow
Say you’ll run up on me like a phone bill, sprayin’ lead (Brrt)
Playin’ dead, that’s the only time you hold still (Hold up)
Are you eating cereal or oatmeal?
What the fuck’s in the bowl, milk? Wheaties or Cheerios?
‘Cause I’m takin’ a shit in ’em, Kelly, I need reading material
…Dictionary…
“Yo, Slim, your last four albums sucked
Go back to Recovery,” oh shoot, that was three albums ago
What do you know? Oops
Know your facts before you come at me, lil’ goof
Luxury, oh, you broke, bitch? Yeah, I had enough money in ’02
To burn it in front of you, ho
Younger me? No, you the wack me, it’s funny but so true
I’d rather be 80-year-old me than 20-year-old you
‘Til I’m hitting old age
Still can fill a whole page with a 10-year-old’s rage
Got more fans than you in your own city, lil’ kiddie, go play
Feel like I’m babysitting Lil Tay
Got the Diddy okay, so you spent your whole day
Shootin’ a video just to fuckin’ dig your own grave
Got you at your own wake, I’m the billy goat
You ain’t never made a list next to no Biggie, no Jay
Next to Taylor Swift and that Iggy ho, you about to really blow
Kelly, they’ll be putting your name
Next to Ja, next to Benzino—die, motherfucker!
Like the last motherfucker sayin’ Hailie in vain
Alien brain, you Satanist (Yeah)
My biggest flops are your greatest hits
The game’s mine again and ain’t nothin’ changed but the locks
So before I slay this bitch I, mwah, give Jade a kiss
Gotta wake up Labor Day to this (The fuck?)
Bein’ rich-shamed by some prick usin’ my name for clickbait
In a state of bliss ’cause I said his goddamn name
Now I gotta cock back, aim
Yeah, bitch, pop Champagne to this! (Pop)
It’s your moment
This is it, as big as you’re gonna get, so enjoy it
Had to give you a career to destroy it
Lethal injection, go to sleep six feet deep
I’ll give you a B for the effort
But if I was three-foot-eleven, you’d look up to me
And for the record, you would suck a dick to fuckin’ be me for a second
Lick a ballsack to get on my channel
Give your life to be as solidified
This motherfuckin’ shit is like Rambo when he’s out of bullets
So what good is a fuckin’ machine gun when it’s outta ammo?
Had enough of this tatted-up mumble rapper
How the fuck can him and I battle?
He’ll have to fuck Kim in my flannel
I’ll give him my sandals
‘Cause he knows, long as I’m Shady, he’s gon’ have to live in my shadow
Exhausting, letting off on my offspring
Lick a gun barrel, bitch, get off me!
You dance around it like a sombrero, we can all see
You’re fuckin’ salty ’cause Young Gerald’s balls-deep inside of Halsey
Your red sweater, your black leather
You dress better, I rap better
That a death threat or a love letter?
Little white toothpick
Thinks it’s over a pic, I just don’t like you, prick
Thanks for dissing me
Now I had an excuse on the mic to write “Not Alike”
But really, I don’t care who’s in the right
But you’re losin’ the fight you picked
Who else want it? Kells, attempt fails! Budden, L’s!
Fuckin’ nails in these coffins as soft as Cottonelle
Killshot, I will not fail, I’m with the Doc still
But this idiot’s boss pops pills and tells him he’s got skills
But, Kells, the day you put out a hit’s the day Diddy admits
That he put the hit out that got Pac killed, ah
I’m sick of you bein’ wack
And still usin’ that mothafuckin’ Auto-Tune
So let’s talk about it (Let’s talk about it)
I’m sick of your mumble rap mouth
Need to get the cock up out it
Before we can even talk about it (Talk about it)
I’m sick of your blonde hair and earrings
Just ’cause you look in the mirror and think
That you’re Marshall Mathers (Marshall Mathers)
Don’t mean you are, and you’re not about it
So just leave my dick in your mouth and keep my daughter out it
Outro
You fuckin’—, oh
And I’m just playin’, Diddy
You know I love you
