Renaissance Lyrics

Renaissance by Eminem

Producers: Luis Resto, Eminem
Album: The Death of Slim Shady (Coup De Grâce) (2024)
Release Date: July 12, 2024
Writers: Eminem, Luis Resto
Mastering Engineer: Brian Gardner
Recording Engineer: Mike Strange, Tony Campana
Keyboards: Luis Resto
Label: Shady Records, Aftermath Entertainment, Interscope Records

Annotations and Meaning.

Eminem's 12th studio album, The Death of Slim Shady (Coup De Grâce), features the opening track "Renaissance". This song sets the tone for the album by analyzing Eminem's artistic progress and reflecting on his long-lasting influence on the rap culture. In "The Death of Slim Shady," rapper Eminem discusses his rebellious antic, referencing the hip-hop stereotype of defiance expressed in one's dressing in durag and sagging still. He also draws comparisons to the character Edward Scissorhands, played by Johnny Depp, who struggles with everyday life and accidentally cuts other people and objects. Eminem is often praised for his rap skills and creative process, but he acknowledges that his talent is difficult to articulate or break down into a simple explanation. He uses the analogy of how his mind works like that of a mechanic, precision, technical, and adept at constructing complex systems. Eminem pays homage to Big Daddy Kane, a legendary rapper known for his smooth flow, intricate wordplay, and charismatic delivery. He uses the literal meanings of "hanging" and "rope" as a way of committing suicide or capital punishment. He mentions Kane, a former WWE wrestler and Hall of Famer, in the previous line, which encapsulates Em's larger-than-life persona and his unyielding self-confidence in the rap industry. Intelligent Hoodlum, a rapper from Queens, now goes by the name Tragedy Khadafi. Arrested Development, an American hip hop group, was formed in Atlanta in 1988. "Just Don't Give A Fuck" was Em's debut single, featured on 1997's Slim Shady EP and 1999's The Slim Shady LP. The latter is 5x Platinum, and Em says when he quit giving a fuck, a reference to the single, he started selling records. Eminem highlights the harsh attitudes of people who label themselves as fans and their tendency to often critisize artists they claim to be a fan of. For example, Kendrick Lamar's 2022 album, "Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers," initially received critical reviews because of fan expectations. Kanye West released a collaborative album with Ty Dolla $ign in early 2024, but it still is generally percieved in a negative light. J. Cole's 2024 mixtape, "Might Delete Later," received mixed reviews, particularly after Cole apologised and removed his Kendrick Lamar diss track "7 Minute Drill" from the project 48 hours after release. Eminem criticizes reviewers for criticizing the tape based on the beat selection, possibly alluding to the fact that people should focus on Cole's lyrics over the beat, which are typically praised for their introspectiveness and consciousness. Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) is widely considered to be one of the greatest hip-hop albums of all time and was ranked 27th on Rolling Stone's 2020 list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time. In summary, "The Death of Slim Shady" explores the themes of rebellion, defiance, and the importance of acknowledging and honoring artists.

[Verse]

Eminem begins the single with tremendous images and references, combining his signature lyrical style with cutting wit and heavy metaphors. The line "With balls in his durag, he sags, fearin' no man" establishes a fearless persona, followed by "pen in his hand like Edward Scissorhands," which demonstrates his lyrical talent and readiness to shred the competitors. Eminem recounts previous controversies, such as the iconic instance of dangling a baby over a railing, with dark humor and sarcasm. The verse continues with allusions to his rebellious spirit and the impact of his music. The mention of "Mark Twainin' it" alluded to his ability to incorporate complicated tales and societal critiques into his songs. The last half of the verse focuses into his influences and professional path. He mentions Big Daddy Kane and other renowned rappers, admitting their influence while expressing his own distinct approach. Lines like "Elephantiasis of the nuts, element / Of Intelligent Hoodlum, Arrested Development" show off his wit and extensive knowledge of hip-hop history.

[Chorus]

In the chorus, Eminem addresses the critics and detractors, emphasizing the tendency to pick apart and find flaws in the works of great artists. He contrasts criticism of new rap albums with the eternal appeal of oldies such as "36 Chambers." The message is clear: true genius is frequently acknowledged after death, and he criticizes the mentality of tearing down artists while they are still alive. "Renaissance" represents Eminem's resilience and artistic progress. The song emphasizes his long-term significance in the rap culture, as well as his capacity to adapt and innovate. With a mix of reflection and rebellion, Eminem sets the tone for an album that delves into his legacy while continuing to push limits.