Just when we thought Eminem was done surprising us, he goes and drops Tobey out of nowhere, linking up with Detroit’s finest Big Sean and the rising phenom BabyTron.
This track is like a masterclass in Michigan hip-hop, spanning three generations of raw talent.
Released on July 2, 2024, Tobey comes hot on the heels of Em’s chart-topping Houdini.
But don’t expect a rehash; this joint’s got a whole different vibe.
The beat, cooked up by a dream team of producers including Daniyel, Cole Bennett, John Nocito, Car!ton, and Marvy Ayy (with Em himself throwing in some seasoning), is stripped-back and lethal.
It’s like they carved out the perfect space for these three to just go off.
Now, let’s talk about that Spider-Man reference in the title. At first, I was scratching my head, but damn if they don’t weave that web throughout the whole track.
It’s not just a catchy name; it’s the thread that ties this lyrical tapestry together.
The Genesis of “Tobey”
Tobey emerged as the second single from Eminem’s highly anticipated 12th studio album, “The Death of Slim Shady (Coup De Grâce),” set to drop on July 12, 2024.
TOBEY @_babytron @BigSean new music 7/2 video 7/5 by @_ColeBennett_ pic.twitter.com/4LAE0vskHE
— Marshall Mathers (@Eminem) June 28, 2024
The track’s announcement on June 28 sent ripples through the hip-hop community, with a teaser video featuring Eminem’s iconic hockey-masked Slim Shady persona stoking the flames of excitement.
This release follows the massive success of the album’s lead single, “Houdini,” which dominated charts globally.
“Houdini” entered the Billboard Global 200 and Streaming Songs charts at #1 and debuted at #2 on the Hot 100.
It marked Eminem’s highest-charting single since 2013’s “The Monster” and his first entry on the Rock radio format.
With such a strong precedent, expectations for Tobey were sky-high.
Production: A Minimalist Canvas for Lyrical Mastery
The production team behind Tobey reads like a who’s who of contemporary beat-makers: Daniyel, Cole Bennett, John Nocito, Car!ton, and Marvy Ayy, with additional production from Eminem himself.
This collaborative effort resulted in a sparse, stripped-back beat that serves as the perfect backdrop for the lyrical pyrotechnics to come.
The minimalist approach to the production is a deliberate choice, allowing each rapper’s unique flow and wordplay to take centre stage.
It captures the confidence of all involved—they know they don’t need a complex beat to captivate listeners.
The production’s subtlety also highlights the generational differences in flow and delivery between the three artists, creating an interesting contrast throughout the track.
Tobey Lyrics Deep Dive
The song’s title, Tobey, pays homage to actor Tobey Maguire, famous for his portrayal of Spider-Man.
This reference sets the stage for a web of pop culture allusions and clever wordplay throughout the track.
BabyTron’s Verse:
BabyTron, the youngest of the trio, kicks off the track with a hook that immediately grabs attention:
“Tobey Maguire got bit by a spider, but see, me, it was a goat
If you want space, I hope you take your helmet off soon as you get up to Venus and choke”
This opening salvo sets the tone for the track, cleverly flipping the Spider-Man origin story.
By suggesting he was bitten by a “goat” instead of a spider, BabyTron is asserting his claim to greatness right out of the gate.
The GOAT (Greatest of All Time) reference is a bold statement from the young rapper, positioning himself alongside his more established collaborators.
In his verse, BabyTron continues to impress:
“No español, I’m allergic to rojo and legally blind, all I’m seein’ is gold
D to the A, there and back, if we ride with the Drac’, can’t smoke from the T to the O”
These lines showcase BabyTron’s wit and wordplay. The first line uses Spanish terms to emphasise his focus on success and wealth, while the second line is a clever reference to Detroit (D to the A) and the dangers of carrying weapons while crossing state lines.
BabyTron’s verse is peppered with references to his come-up, his lifestyle, and his ambitions.
Lines like “Road DSM on the beach, not a sand stand” (DSM likely referring to his rap group, Dog Shit Militia) demonstrate his ability to weave personal details into his rhymes seamlessly.
Big Sean’s Verse:
Big Sean, representing the middle generation of Detroit rap, brings his signature style to the track:
“They wanna bleed me and lead me to act like they need me, but fuck it, I do it alone (Woah)
She wanna touch me and rub me and go back to hubby, he probably could smell my cologne (Damn)
I was immersed in the Merce, I show ’em no mercy, I really was watchin’ the throne (For real)”
These opening lines showcase Sean’s ability to craft multi-layered rhymes with ease.
The “watching the throne” line is likely a nod to the Jay-Z and Kanye West collaborative album, positioning Sean as an heir to hip-hop royalty.
Sean continues with more clever wordplay:
“If he Obi-Wan, then I gotta be Yoda
Don’t need no promoter, we pull up, they know us
I’m the Ayatollah snatching your controller”
This Star Wars reference callback to BabyTron’s earlier line about Obi-Wan positions Big Sean as a wise mentor figure in the rap game.
The Ayatollah line further cements his status as a leader in the industry.
Sean also addresses his status and his roots:
“Bitch, I come from the D where they BMFing
Where they movin’ them keys like a chord progression”
This clever wordplay combines references to Detroit’s notorious Black Mafia Family with musical terminology, showcasing Sean’s ability to blend street credibility with artistic metaphors.
Eminem’s Verse:
Eminem, the veteran of the group, closes out the track with a verse packed with complex rhyme schemes and lyrical gymnastics:
“Tobey Maguire got bit by a spider, me? Must’ve got bit by a goat (Yeah)
I used to dream as a kid I would grow (Baa)
To be one, I hope that I inspire hope (For what?)
For you to go get what you desire most (Yeah)”
Eminem continues the Spider-Man metaphor while asserting his GOAT status and expressing his desire to inspire others.
The use of the goat sound effect (Baa) adds a playful touch to his serious message.
He then addresses his position in the rap rankings and his legacy:
“Ain’t feelin’ your top five favourite rappers (Woo)
So I know they ’bout to be pissed at me (Why?)
But this, to me, is a mystery
How rappers I’ve already ripped could be (What?)
Higher up on a list than me (Ha)”
This section demonstrates Eminem’s competitive nature and his confidence in his abilities, even as he approaches his third decade in the industry.
He’s not afraid to ruffle feathers, even taking a shot at hip-hop pioneer Melle Mel.
“Get dissed though and by a pioneer
Who was one of the reasons why I am here
They tell me I should just let that shit go and slide (Why?)
“Melle Mel shouldn’t get no reply” (Why?)
“That man is a legend,” bitch, so am I (Haha, yeah)”
This reference to his ongoing feud with Melle Mel shows that Eminem is still very much engaged with the culture and isn’t afraid to defend his position in the hip-hop hierarchy.
Significance and Impact
Tobey represents a significant moment in Michigan hip-hop history, bringing together three generations of rap talent from the state.
It’s the first collaboration between all three artists, though Eminem and Big Sean have worked together previously on tracks like “Detroit Vs. Everybody,” “No Favors,” and “Friday Night Cypher.”
However, Big Sean and BabyTron featured in the Doomsday, Pt. 2 music video.
The song serves as a showcase for the evolving sound of Detroit rap. From Eminem’s rapid-fire, multisyllabic rhyme schemes to Big Sean’s smooth, punchline-heavy flow to BabyTron’s off-kilter, almost stream-of-consciousness style, Tobey offers a comprehensive look at the diversity of Detroit’s hip-hop scene.
Moreover, the track’s release builds anticipation for Eminem’s upcoming album, “The Death of Slim Shady (Coup De Grâce).”
The album’s title and the return of the Slim Shady persona in promotional materials suggest a potential return to the more controversial, confrontational style that defined Eminem’s early career.
If Tobey is any indication, fans can expect an album that balances this edgier approach with the technical mastery Em has honed over his long career.
The collaboration also serves to further solidify Big Sean’s position as a bridge between old and new school Detroit rap while providing a massive platform for BabyTron to showcase his skills to a wider audience.
It’s a passing of the torch moment, with each rapper bringing their unique strengths to the track.
Looking Ahead
As we eagerly await the release of the Cole Bennett-directed music video on July 5, it’s clear that Tobey has already cemented its place as a notable entry in the catalogues of Eminem, Big Sean, and BabyTron.
The track not only highlights their individual skills but also demonstrates the continued vitality and creativity of Detroit’s hip-hop scene.
For fans of lyrical rap and those interested in the evolution of Michigan’s hip-hop landscape, Tobey is a must-listen.
It showcases the enduring influence of Eminem alongside the established talent of Big Sean and the fresh energy of BabyTron, proving that Detroit remains a powerhouse in the world of hip-hop.
As we look forward to the full album release on July 12, Tobey stands as a tantalising preview of what’s to come.
It’s a track that rewards multiple listens, with each spin revealing new layers of wordplay and meaning.
In bringing together three generations of Detroit rap, Tobey doesn’t just celebrate the city’s hip-hop past and present; it offers an exciting glimpse into its future.
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Eminem, Big Sean & BabyTron Tobey Lyrics
Intro: BabyTron & Big Sean
Shit, fuck, shit
Boy, ha
Chorus: BabyTron
Tobey Maguire got bit by a spider, but see, me, it was a goat
If you want space, I hope you take your helmet off soon as you get up to Venus and choke
Even while sleepin’, be thinkin’ so woke
White Cartiers, all I’m seein’ is dope
My city Leia and I’m Obi-Wan, got a mission to pass, I just might be the hope
Tobey Maguire got bit by a spider, but see, me, it was a goat
If you want space, I hope you take your helmet off soon as you get up to Venus and choke
Even while sleepin’, be thinkin’ so woke
White Cartiers, all I’m seein’ is dope
My city Leia and I’m Obi-Wan, got a mission to pass, I just might be the hope
Verse 1: BabyTron
No español, I’m allergic to rojo and legally blind, all I’m seein’ is go
D to the A, there and back, if we ride with the Drac’, can’t smoke from the T to the O
Upped in the bitch, you can keep what you owe
Granny told me, “Boy, you reap what you sow”
Do the most, we over, even the score
Steady on the run, glued his feet to the floor
Up in my Tesla, I’m rollin’ up ‘Ishers, I stopped at Valero, think I should quit smokin’
Life is a gamble and I’m playin’ slots, pull it down, close my eyes and I pray I win tokens
All Wock’, no pop, how we drive, you can come and take a baby sip, still tasted just potent
One of one, sittin’ ’round the stars, double R, finna race, hit the Wraith, like a spaceship it’s floatin’
All this drip, think I am below sea level
Cut your own wrist off with that weak bezel
Ride around with the iron giant, make ’em eat metal
Watch unc’ break a rock down to three pebbles
Bam-bam, down three, hit the grand slam
Four pockets full, fully switched, go wham-wham
Pants cramp, pull it out, I’m countin’ ’til my hands cramp
Road DSM on the beach, not a sand stand
Interlude: Big Sean
Boy
Ayy, ayy
Verse 2: Big Sean
They wanna bleed me and lead me to act like they need me, but fuck it, I do it alone (Woah)
She wanna touch me and rub me and go back to hubby, he probably could smell my cologne (Damn)
I was immersed in the Merce, I show ’em no mercy, I really was watchin’ the throne (For real)
Niggas ain’t turnin’ me down, when my baby asleep only time that I’m watchin’ my tone (Shh)
We don’t want chips with a chip on our shoulder
If he Obi-Wan, then I gotta be Yoda
Don’t need no promoter, we pull up, they know us
I’m the Ayatollah snatching your controller
I don’t give a fuck about you when I’m focused
Fuck all the drugs you take, I’m takin’ over
I paid attention, don’t need no payola
Can’t take ‘way from me, you just need to take cover (Frr)
I can paint a picture like I made the stencil
Fuck your whole image, I’m with Cole Bennett
I don’t know what the fuck they done told niggas
I put all of my heart and my soul in it
I met you in person, you so different
I can’t listen to you for a whole minute
Took a blood test, ain’t no ho in it
Watch your motherfuckin’ mouth ‘fore I go in it
They like, “No, he didn’t,” got ’em more invested
If it’s one thing I make, I make no exceptions
I got new addresses, I got no reception
I got love and hate comin’ from both directions
Bitch, I come from the D where they BMFing
Where they movin’ them keys like a chord progression
Bitch, I’m omnipresent, I got no reflection
Made a livin’ off bars, I need no correction (No)
Grindin’ shit out, gotta stay patient
While you outside, we on staycation
Locked the fuck in, ain’t no playin’ for real ‘less you playmakin’
I take the chances you hate takin’
Fuck it, dog, I’ma go Wes Craven
I’m at the safe, fuck a safe haven
They play with my name and I can’t take it (Lil’ bitch)
Chorus: BabyTron & Eminem
Tobey Maguire got bit by a spider, but see, me, it was a goat
If you want space, I hope you take your helmet off soon as you get up to Venus and choke
Even while sleepin’, be thinkin’ so woke
White Cartiers, all I’m seein’ is dope (Yeah)
My city Leia and I’m Obi-Wan, got a mission to pass, I just might be the hope
Verse 3: Eminem
Tobey Maguire got bit by a spider, me? Must’ve got bit by a goat (Yeah)
I used to dream as a kid I would grow (Baa)
To be one, I hope that I inspire hope (For what?)
For you to go get what you desire most (Yeah)
Spit fire, bitch, I was just flyin’ coach (Yeah)
Y’all thought you was sick, you were misdiagnosed (Nope)
I’m dope and you’ll never have this high a dose (Nope, yeah)
Now my estates in the buildin’, and bitch, I done slept on more floors than the Empire State (‘Pire State) Building
I got so many stories, but I hate ceilings (Haha)
Ain’t feelin’ your top five favorite rappers (Woo)
So I know they ’bout to be pissed at me (Why?)
But this, to me, is a mystery
How rappers I’ve already ripped could be (What?)
Higher up on a list than me (Ha)
Yet here I sit on your list though at five (Hm), which still was fine
But just know inside, to me, that shit’s hilarious, so when I (Haha)
Get dissed though and by a pioneer
Who was one of the reasons why I am here
They tell me I should just let that shit go and slide (Why?)
“Melle Mel shouldn’t get no reply” (Why?)
“That man is a legend,” bitch, so am I (Haha, yeah)
And anyone else who thinks it’d be wise and easy as pie
To beat me and tries, can treat me just like poison (What?), they can eat me and die (Hehe)
Middle finger stuck up, but I never conceded
When have I ever retreated? (Never) You never seen it
Every dream that I ever dreamt, I exceeded
Cement my legacy, I definitely did controversy, I always said all I needed
Treat it like a truck, hit it head-on, I meet it (Krrk)
I get on a beat and it’s like that “Eye of the Tiger” song is playin’ on my head on repeat
I been knocked down so many times, can’t count (Ugh)
Sometimes, shit does not pan out
That’s just the way that the card hand’s dealt
Jon Manzel, odd man out (What?)
But heavyweight, word to Scott Van Pelt
I can’t help but feel like a victim of child abuse
‘Cause I am ’bout to get that goddamn belt (Now strap, man)
Way beyond crazy, Shady gone, but hey, maybe, I am the GOAT
With Big Sean and BabyTron, and that’s why they be on the shit they be on, ’cause (Ugh)
Chorus: BabyTron
Tobey Maguire got bit by a spider, but see, me, it was a goat
If you want space, I hope you take your helmet off soon as you get up to Venus and choke
Even while sleepin’, be thinkin’ so woke
White Cartiers, all I’m seein’ is dope
My city Leia and I’m Obi-Wan, got a mission to pass, I just might be the hope
