Of all the things Eminem has been recognized for – dysfunctional relationships, bloody rap battles, celebrity feuds, Grammys – there is none more fitting than his most recent nod from the Guinness Book of World Records.
A cursory glance at Em’s career would suggest that the accolade would be for “The Most People Offended In a Single Verse” or “Longest Rant,” but instead it’s for a feat that any fan of dexterous wordplay can appreciate. The recognition comes for “Rap God” off the The Marshall Mather’s LP 2, which contains the most words in a hit single, boasting a staggering 1560 words in six minutes and four seconds. It covers every Emineminism in the book – from tasteless homophobic slurs and bratty rants to a humbled view on his place in history: [LISTEN]
Me? Me, I’m a product of Rakim/Lakim Shabazz, 2Pac, N-W-A., Cube, hey, Doc, Ren/Yella, Eazy, thank you, they got Slim/Inspired enough to one day grow up/Blow up and being in a position/To meet Run-D.M.C. and induct them/Into the motherfuckin’ Rock n’/Roll Hall of Fame even though I walk in the church/And burst in a ball of flames
Eminem is a menace who’s essentially based his entire career off of antagonizing others. He’s been told to shut up his whole life. But love him or hate him, you have to respect his grind because he’s never skimped on the lyrics.
Whether or not Em knew he was breaking a record is beside the point. He just did what he normally does and in the process found himself in the company of some of the strangest people in the world – a motley crew of oddballs with no shame in their game. Alongside the shortest living domestic cat and the guy with the largest collection of sick bags is Eminem, and somehow it all makes perfect sense.