Lose Yourself: From 8-Mile to Cloud 9

Rap has always been a controversial genre. Some would argue that it's not even music. I, however, would like to set the record straight. Rap is music. It's a very expressive way of laying out emotion, passion, and overall discontentment. Like any genre it has its stupid songs and stereotypes (look at my car, I make tons of money, I have lots of sex, etc.), but rap can also have meaning and purpose. This brings me to my topic today: the Eminem hit "Lose Yourself." 

This song was written during the filming of the movie, 8 Mile, and was later included in the film. The song tells the story about the film's main character B-Rabbit and his journey into gaining respect as a rapper. This kind of story closely mirrors Eminem's journey and has been seen as somewhat of a ballad for him and his career. The passion truly shines through.

The tone of the verses of "Lose Yourself" alternate between stress, anger, and frustration. The song's subject continually fails repeatedly, knowing that each time could be his last shot to make it out of his terrible situation. The song hits you with this urgency from the very first measure right up until the last moment. It's almost like a racing pulse the entire time, interspersed with a rather beautiful piano riff.

The rhyming scheme has a very distinct dual structure. Two words are often combined to create a sort of rhyme that fits with the beat of the song. This unique structure is very well presented and is not at all distracting. It's clear that a lot of thought went into each and every lyric. While you're listening, you begin to feel for the song's subject and root for him against the world and his own demons that wants to bring him down all while hearing that he's only got one shot to make it work or he could "end up in jail or shot."

"Lose Yourself" has won several awards. Among them is an Academy Award for Best Original Song, MTV Music Video Award, and the Grammy for Best Rap Song. I can see why; this really is Eminem at his best. He sounds aggressive, frustrated, and full of ambition, which he expresses with an almost desperate yelling throughout the rap. This song is definitely worth a listen. If you're a rap skeptic, this song may just convert you.

~H. Logan Christensen