Eminem teamed up with Detroit’s Big Sean and BabyTron for a brand new single “Tobey” from Eminem’s upcoming album ‘The Death of Slim Shady.’ The song focuses on the GOAT status of the three artists in their respective points of view.
“Tobey” is Eminem’s second single off of his upcoming twelfth studio album ‘The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grâce).’ This follows his lead single “Houdini” in which Eminem vows to make his alter-ego Slim Shady disappear forever. The latest album is expected to be released on July 12, 2024.
“Tobey” gained much attention from fans and media outlets alike. The song gained 1.06 million streams on Spotify on release day (July 2nd) and stacked over 6 million streams within 3 days. On YouTube, the song performed equally well with 6.2 million views in 3 days.
Unlike the Marshall we are used to, Eminem did nothing fancy on “Tobey” but rather let his colleagues take the helm. Eminem had the slowest verse out of the three Detroit rappers on the song.
Listen to “Tobey” by Eminem, Big Sean, and BabyTron
Eminem “Tobey” Lyrics Review and Song Meaning
The theme of “Tobey” is based on Marvel’s Spider-Man. Tobey Maguire played the original Spider-Man and Eminem recreates the three Spider-Man pointing fingers at each other meme in the cover artwork for the song.
Tobey Maguire got bit by a spider, but see, me, it was a goat
The hook of the song builds on the idea that Tobey Maguire got his superpowers after getting bit by a spider–turning him into SpiderMan. The three rappers insinuate that they were bitten by a goat turning them into the Greatest Of All Time (G.O.A.T).
In the verse by BabyTron, the rapper goes on to profess his claim to G.O.A.T. status. He brings a smooth flow to the beat and drops some bars on life and riches. He talks about the uncertainty of life comparing it to a slot machine. You do your bit, close your eyes and pray. If your gamble pays off, you will get the reward. But he also admits that “you reap what you sow” meaning that what you get back in life is very similar to what you do to get it.
In the verse by Big Sean, the rapper goes on to talk about his dominance in the rap game, among other things. He compares himself to Yoda from the Star-Wars saga. Yoda is a mentor to all Jedi’s. This is also a callback to BabyTron’s chorus in which he mentions Obi-Wan.
Made a livin’ off bars, I need no correction
Big Sean confesses his dedication to his music. He has made a living out of his bars — music. He does not need a change now. This line is also a double referring to the prison system which is also referred to as correctional facilities.
In the third verse of “Tobey,” Eminem brings his claim to the throne. He talks about his humble beginnings when he would dream of the life he has now. He wanted to be big enough to inspire hope among kids who go through the same childhood he went through and he is lucky enough to be in this position now.
Em talks about how he used to sleep on so many floors when he was poor and trying to make a living–probably more floors than the Empire State Building has.
Ain’t feelin’ your top five favorite rappers
Eminem is still fighting for his rightful place in the top 5 rappers of the masses. Many people have claimed him to be the best rapper ever. However, some still deny his legacy. Eminem questions these people as to how they place another rapper above Eminem when he has pretty much outshined them all.
Eminem also addresses his beef with Melle Mel, a rap pioneer who recently took it upon himself to diss Eminem. Melle Mel released a 1-minute 12-second diss track titled “Kickback” aimed at Eminem which received much backlash from the hip-hop community alike for lack of substance and relevancy to today’s music. Eminem admits that Melle Mel is a legend, but he also reminds everyone that so is he.
Eminem also addresses that his legacy is shrouded in controversy. He admits that he fed on it–faced it like hitting a truck head-on. His music and life have been discredited so many times that he couldn’t even count it. However, Em has come through each and every time. He overcame drug abuse, apologized to his mother for that song on the longer-play CD, and has a healthy relationship with his daughters. What more do we need from a rapper who came from nothing in character development?!
maybe I am the goat
That bit Sean and BabyTron, and that’s why they be on the sh*t they be on
BabyTron and Big Sean said that a goat bit them for them to become G.O.A.T.s of the game. Eminem says he might be the G.O.A.T. that big them.
Let us hear what you think about the song in the comments below. Read the complete lyrics to the song on Genius.