Guess Who’s Back (skit) Lyrics

Guess Who’s Back (skit) by Eminem

• Album: The Death of Slim Shady (Coup De Grâce)
• Producer: Eminem
• Release Date: July 12, 2024
• Label: Aftermath Entertainment, Interscope Records, Shady Records
• Recording Engineer: Mike Strange, Tony Campana
• Mixing Engineer: Mike Strange
• Mastering Engineer: Brian Gardner
• Distributor: Universal Music Group

Annotations and Meaning.

"Curtains Close (Skit)" is the outro to 2002's "The Eminem Show" and features Ken Kaniff, a character from early Eminem albums. Originally played by Aristotle, Em took over after a falling out. Eminem mocks his 'Houdini' flow in the ending of "My Band." Eminem's skit, Guess Who's Back, features the return of his famed character, Ken Kaniff. This skit is a straight throwback to "Curtains Close (Skit)" from The Eminem Show (2002). Eminem took over the role of Ken Kaniff, previously played by Aristotle on the Slim Shady LP, following a disagreement with him. This character has appeared on several albums, functioning as both a comic and contentious persona in Eminem's music.

[Interlude]

The sketch begins with Ken Kaniff declaring his comeback with phrases that allude to his caustic humor and controversial personality. The lyric "Half a bag of Viagra" exemplifies Ken's open and irreverent nature, which has been a defining feature of his character throughout Eminem's discography.

Characters and historical context.

Ken Kaniff's persona first featured in Eminem's second studio album, The Slim Shady LP, in 1999. In this sketch, Eminem voices Ken Kaniff for the first time since The Marshall Mathers LP 2. The skit features a tempo similar of the song "Tobey" and turns into a comedy part that serves as a humorous interlude in the album. The skit is significant for its commentary on Eminem's past work, as it reintroduces a familiar character from his earlier albums. It also acts as a sentimental element for longtime fans, tying the new album to Eminem's previous character and sound.