Without Me

"Without Me"
Single by Eminem
from the album The Eminem Show
B-side "The Way I Am" (Danny Lohner remix) (featuring Marilyn Manson)
"Say What You Say" (featuring Dr. Dre)
Released May 14, 2002
Format CD
Genre Comedy hip hop
Length 4:50 (album version)
4:23 (radio edit)
Label
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)
  • Eminem
  • Jeff Bass (co.)
  • DJ Head (add.)
Eminem singles chronology
"Hellbound"
(2002)		 "Without Me"
(2002)		 "Cleanin' Out My Closet"
(2002)

"Hellbound"
(2002)		 "Without Me"
(2002)		 "Cleanin' Out My Closet"
(2002)
Music video
"Without Me" on YouTube
Audio sample
  • file
  • help

"Without Me" is a song by American rapper Eminem from his fourth studio album The Eminem Show (2002). "Without Me" was released on May 14, 2002 as the lead single from the album, and re-released on his greatest hits compilation album Curtain Call: The Hits (2005). "Without Me" is one of Eminem's most successful singles, reaching number two in the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, and number one in fifteen countries. It is one of his most well-known and most recognizable songs. The song is included in the soundtrack for the 2016 film Suicide Squad.[2]

Content

The song was Eminem's return after the successful The Marshall Mathers LP, intended as a sequel to "The Real Slim Shady" and essentially saying that he is back to save the world. It also refers to Eminem's role in the music industry and his effect on culture.

The song mocks a number of Eminem's critics, including then-Vice-President Dick Cheney (including his recurring heart problems) and his wife Lynne, the FCC, Chris Kirkpatrick (of NSYNC), Limp Bizkit and Moby,[3][4] as well as parodying Prince's decision to change his name to a symbol. It also lampoons comparisons of him to Elvis Presley as a white man succeeding commercially in a predominantly black art form. A line also attacks his mother Debbie Mathers for the lawsuit she filed for the lyrics of his debut single "My Name Is".

The opening lyric "Two trailer park girls go round the outside" is based on the single "Buffalo Gals" by Malcolm McLaren and mocks underground artist Canibus, while the introduction — "Obie Trice, real name, no gimmicks" — is sampled from Obie Trice's own track "Rap Name".

The background saxophone riff was sampled in Drunkenmunky's 2002 club hit  "E" .

Some of the lyrics are altered on the clean version, such as "This is about to get heavy" replaced by "This shit's about to get heavy". Also, "Fuck that, cum on your lips, and some on your tits" is changed to "Jump back, jiggle your hips and wiggle a bit". The censored version also replaces "fag" with "Stan" when referring to Moby, a reference to the popular track from The Marshall Mathers LP (2000).

Critical reception

Stephen Thomas Erlewine marked it as one of the best tracks on The Eminem Show.[5] David Browne was positive: "'I've created a monster, 'cuz no one wants to hear Marshall no more,' he (Eminem) whines, partly in jest, in the beat-crazy single 'Without Me'."[6] HipHopDX noted that the blazing single Without Me is one of the only light-hearted songs in album.[7] NME magazine noted that this song is "tackling disco."[8] RapReviews wrote: "His (Eminem's) fearlessness continues on the lead single "Without Me" when he lambasts everyone from Dick Cheney's wife to the leading electronic artists of the day."[9] Kris Ex exclaims: ""Without Me" — like his "The Real Slim Shady," the leadoff single from 2000's The Marshall Mathers LP — is a fun-loving, barb-laden romp on which he flits from one topic to the next like a bumblebee with ADD."[10]

Chart performances and awards

"Without Me" is one of Eminem's most successful singles. The song reached the number one position in the charts in numerous countries, including the United Kingdom, Australia, Ireland and New Zealand for 7 weeks.

"Without Me" was nominated for Record of the Year at the Grammy Awards of 2003 (losing to Norah Jones' song "Don't Know Why"), being Eminem's first song to receive a Grammy nomination in a major category. It also received a nomination for Best Male Rap Solo Performance but lost that award as well to the song "Hot in Herre" by rapper Nelly.

In 2009, the song was honored by Pitchfork Media as the 251st greatest song of the 2000s.

The song was the 69th best-selling single of the 2000s in the United Kingdom.[11]

Year Organization Award Result
2002 MTV Video Music Awards Video of the Year Won
Best Male Video Won
Best Rap Video Won
Best Direction Won
Best Editing Nominated
Viewer's Choice Award Nominated
MTV Europe Music Awards Best Video Nominated
2003 Grammy Awards Record of the Year Nominated
Best Male Rap Solo Performance Nominated
Best Music Video Won
MTV Video Music Awards Japan Video of the Year Nominated
Best Male Video Nominated
Best Hip-Hop Video Nominated
Mnet Music Video Festival Best International Artist Won

Music video

The music video of the song features a number of scenarios built around its context, including Eminem and Dr. Dre as parodies of comics in general, specifically Batman, Robin (Rapboy), and Blade trying to save a child who bought a copy of The Eminem Show that has a Parental Advisory sticker. Eminem and his band of heroes rush to the rescue before the child puts the CD in and he snatches it away from him, and showing that his CD has explicit lyrics. The comic panel contains the rabbit from You're a Superstar. Early on, Eminem appears throughout some of the video where he is on a hospital bed being pushed through a ward (a reference to ER, which here is called ƎM drawing from the rapper's stage name). Porn star Jenna Jameson and fitness model Kiana Tom appear in bed with Eminem at the beginning of the video. Eminem also dressed up in various costumes as Osama bin Laden as he is chased by D12 on channel ƎNN, a spoof of the news channel CNN, a TV ad salesman shocking a look alike of then-Vice President Dick Cheney, his mother Debbie Mathers being flipped off, Elvis Presley dancing in his bathroom, eating a sandwich out of the toilet and defecating in it, a Survivor contestant competing in a challenge against Jenna Lewis (of Survivor: Borneo and later Survivor: All Stars) and Lindsey Richter (of Survivor: Africa) on a log later revealed to be a turd in the Elvis's toilet, and Moby getting body-slammed by Obie Trice. Nate Samara, Eminem's brother, D12, and Xzibit also appear in the talk show scene. The video also features a Lamborghini Murcielago (referred to as the "Rapmobile", parodying the Batmobile). Also the video leaves in words like 'ass', 'bitch', and 'bastard' while on the clean album they were censored.

This video received MTV Video Music Awards for Video of the Year, Best Male Video, Best Rap Video, and Best Direction (for Joseph Kahn), as well as gaining nominations for Best Editing and Viewer's Choice. It also won Best Short Form Music Video at the Grammy Awards of 2003.

Clips of the video for "Without Me" can also be seen playing in a number of other music videos, including 50 Cent's "In da Club", Tony Yayo's "I Know You Don't Love Me" and Dr. Dre's "I Need a Doctor".

Track listing

European CD single
No.TitleWriter(s)Sample(s)Length
1."Without Me"M. Mathers, K. Bell, J. Bass, M. McLaren, A. Dudley, T. HornEminem, Jeff Bass, Urban Kris, DJ Head4:53
2."The Way I Am" (Danny Lohner remix) (featuring Marilyn Manson)M. Mathers, A. YoungEminem4:59
3."Without Me" (Acapella)M. Mathers, K. Bell, J. Bass, M. McLaren, A. Dudley, T. HornEminem, Jeff Bass, Urban Kris, DJ Head4:53
4."Without Me" (Instrumental)M. Mathers, K. Bell, J. Bass, M. McLaren, A. Dudley, T. HornEminem, Jeff Bass, Urban Kris, DJ Head4:53
UK CD single
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
1."Without Me"M. Mathers, K. Bell, J. Bass, M. McLaren, A. Dudley, T. HornEminem, Jeff Bass, Urban Kris, DJ Head4:53
2."The Way I Am" (Danny Lohner remix) (featuring Marilyn Manson)M. Mathers, A. YoungEminem4:59
3."Without Me" (Instrumental)M. Mathers, K. Bell, J. Bass, M. McLaren, A. Dudley, T. HornEminem, Jeff Bass, Urban Kris, DJ Head4:53
Australian CD single
No.TitleWriter(s)Sample(s)Length
1."Without Me"M. Mathers, K. Bell, J. Bass, M. McLaren, A. Dudley, T. HornEminem, Jeff Bass, Urban Kris4:53
2."The Way I Am" (Danny Lohner remix) (featuring Marilyn Manson)M. Mathers, A. YoungEminem4:59
3."Without Me" (Acapella)M. Mathers, K. Bell, J. Bass, M. McLaren, A. Dudley, T. HornEminem, Jeff Bass4:53
4."Without Me" (Instrumental)M. Mathers, K. Bell, J. Bass, M. McLaren, A. Dudley, T. HornEminem, Jeff Bass, Urban Kris, DJ Head4:53
5."Say What You Say" (featuring Dr. Dre)M. Mathers, A. Young, R. Feemster, M. ElizondoDr. Dre5:09
6."Without Me" (Video)M. Mathers, K. Bell, J. Bass, M. McLaren, A. Dudley, T. HornEminem, Jeff Bass, Urban Kris4:53

Charts and certifications

References

  1. ↑ "Without Me - Eminem". AllMusic. Retrieved 26 September 2017.
  2. ↑ Kaufman, Gil (June 17, 2016). "'Suicide Squad' Soundtrack: Skrillex & Rick Ross, Panic! at the Disco Cover 'Bohemian Rhapsody' & More". Billboard. Retrieved June 22, 2016.
  3. ↑ "Eminem Explains His Disses Of Moby & Chris Kirkpatrick In 'Without Me'". Top40-Charts.com. Retrieved April 25, 2015.
  4. ↑ "Eminem Goes After Moby, Limp Bizkit On 'Without Me'". MTV News. Retrieved April 25, 2015.
  5. ↑ Stephen Thomas Erlewine. "The Eminem Show - Eminem - Songs, Reviews, Credits, Awards - AllMusic". AllMusic. Retrieved April 25, 2015.
  6. ↑ "The Eminem Show - EW.com". Entertainment Weekly's EW.com. Retrieved April 25, 2015.
  7. ↑ Eminem - The Eminem Show (Advanced Copy) | Read Hip Hop Reviews, Rap Reviews & Hip Hop Album Reviews | HipHop DX
  8. ↑ "NME Reviews - Eminem : The Eminem Show - NME.COM". NME.COM. September 12, 2005. Retrieved April 25, 2015.
  9. ↑ "RapReviews.com Feature for May 28, 2002 - Eminem's "The Eminem Show"". Retrieved April 25, 2015.
  10. ↑ "Eminem The Eminem Show Album Review". Rolling Stone. Retrieved April 25, 2015.
  11. ↑ Radio 1 Chart of the Decade, as presented by Nihal on Tuesday December 29, 2009
  12. ↑ "Australian-charts.com – Eminem – Without Me". ARIA Top 50 Singles. Retrieved 2013-08-27.
  13. ↑ "Austriancharts.at – Eminem – Without Me" (in German). Ö3 Austria Top 40. Retrieved 2013-08-27.
  14. ↑ "Ultratop.be – Eminem – Without Me" (in Dutch). Ultratop 50. Retrieved 2013-08-27.
  15. ↑ "Ultratop.be – Eminem – Without Me" (in French). Ultratop 50. Retrieved 2013-08-27.
  16. ↑ "Brazil" (PDF). ABPD. October 6, 2001. Retrieved April 1, 2014.
  17. ↑ "Eminem Chart History (Canadian Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved 2013-08-27.
  18. ↑ "Danishcharts.com – Eminem – Without Me". Tracklisten. Retrieved 2013-08-27.
  19. ↑ "Eminem: Without Me" (in Finnish). Musiikkituottajat – IFPI Finland. Retrieved 2013-08-27.
  20. ↑ "Lescharts.com – Eminem – Without Me" (in French). Les classement single. Retrieved 2013-08-27.
  21. ↑ "Musicline.de – Eminem Single-Chartverfolgung" (in German). Media Control Charts. PhonoNet GmbH. Retrieved 2013-08-27.
  22. ↑ Ελληνικό Chart. Archived from the original on August 8, 2002. Retrieved April 25, 2015.
  23. ↑ "Archívum – Slágerlisták – MAHASZ – Magyar Hanglemezkiadók Szövetsége". Mahasz.hu. Retrieved May 30, 2010.
  24. ↑ "Chart Track: Week 21, 2002". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved 2013-08-27.
  25. ↑ "Italiancharts.com – Eminem – Without Me". Top Digital Download. Retrieved 2013-08-27.
  26. ↑ "Nederlandse Top 40 – week 24, 2002" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40 Retrieved 2018-07-05.
  27. ↑ "Dutchcharts.nl – Eminem – Without Me" (in Dutch). Single Top 100. Retrieved 2013-08-27.
  28. ↑ "Charts.nz – Eminem – Without Me". Top 40 Singles. Retrieved 2013-08-27.
  29. ↑ "Norwegiancharts.com – Eminem – Without Me". VG-lista. Retrieved 2013-08-27.
  30. ↑ "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 2018-07-05.
  31. ↑ "Spanishcharts.com – Eminem – Without Me" Canciones Top 50. Retrieved 2017-05-06.
  32. ↑ "Swedishcharts.com – Eminem – Without Me". Singles Top 100. Retrieved 2013-08-27.
  33. ↑ "Swisscharts.com – Eminem – Without Me". Swiss Singles Chart. Retrieved 2013-08-27.
  34. ↑ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 2013-08-27.
  35. ↑ "Eminem Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved 2013-08-27.
  36. ↑ "Eminem Chart History (Alternative Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved 2017-01-17.
  37. ↑ "Eminem Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved 2013-08-27.
  38. ↑ "Eminem Chart History (Hot Rap Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved 2013-08-27.
  39. ↑ "Eminem Chart History (Pop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved 2013-08-27.
  40. ↑ "Eminem Chart History (Rhythmic)". Billboard. Retrieved 2017-01-17.
  41. ↑ "ČNS IFPI" (in Czech). Hitparáda – Digital Top 100 Oficiální. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: insert 201638 into search. Retrieved 2016-09-26.
  42. ↑ "ARIA Charts - End Of Year Charts - Top 100 Singles 2002" Australian Recording Industry Association. Retrieved 2013-08-28.
  43. ↑ "JAHRESHITPARADE 2002" (in German). Hung Medien. Retrieved 2013-08-28.
  44. ↑ "JAAROVERZICHTEN 2002" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved 2013-08-28.
  45. ↑ "RAPPORTS ANNUELS 2002" (in French). Hung Medien. Retrieved 2013-08-28.
  46. ↑ The first is the list of the best-selling domestic singles of 2002 in Finland, the second is that of the foreign singles:
  47. ↑ "2002 French Singles Chart" (in French). SNEP. Archived from the original on May 10, 2011. Retrieved May 2, 2010.
  48. ↑ "Best of 2002" Irish Recorded Music Association. Retrieved 2013-08-28.
  49. ↑ "JAAROVERZICHTEN - SINGLE 2002" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved 2013-08-28.
  50. ↑ "2002 New Zealand Singles Chart". Rianz. Archived from the original on May 6, 2010. Retrieved May 2, 2010.
  51. ↑ "SWISS YEAR-END CHARTS 2002" (in German). Hung Medien. Retrieved 2013-08-28.
  52. ↑ "2002 UK Singles Chart" (PDF). ChartsPlus. Retrieved May 5, 2010.
  53. ↑ "Top 100 Hits for 2002". Retrieved 11 September 2014.
  54. ↑ "ARIA End of Decade Singles" (PDF). ARIA. Retrieved December 23, 2016.
  55. ↑ "Die ultimative Chart Show | Hits des neuen Jahrtausends | Download". RTL.de. Retrieved March 15, 2012.
  56. ↑ Australian certifications aria.com (Retrieved January 4, 2009)
  57. ↑ Austrian certifications ifpi.at Archived February 1, 2010, at WebCite (Retrieved January 4, 2009)
  58. ↑ Belgian certifications Ultratop.be (Retrieved January 4, 2009)
  59. ↑ French certifications Disqueenfrance.com Archived January 23, 2009, at the Wayback Machine. (Retrieved January 4, 2009)
  60. ↑ "Gold-/Platin-Datenbank ('Without+Me')" (in German). Bundesverband Musikindustrie. Retrieved October 23, 2017.
  61. ↑ "Italian single certifications – Eminem – Without Me" (in Italian). Federazione Industria Musicale Italiana. Retrieved October 23, 2017.
  62. ↑ New Zealand certification"Chart #1327: Without Me 4x Platinum certification". Recording Industry Association of New Zealand. rianz.org.nz. September 22, 2002. Archived from the original on December 16, 2008. Retrieved May 16, 2009.
  63. ↑ Norwegian certifications Ifpi.no Archived November 8, 2012, at the Wayback Machine. (Retrieved January 4, 2009)
  64. ↑ Swedish certifications Ifpi.se Archived February 11, 2009, at the Wayback Machine. (Retrieved January 4, 2009)
  65. ↑ Swiss certifications Swisscharts.com (Retrieved January 4, 2009)
  66. ↑ UK certifications Bpi.co.uk Archived May 11, 2011, at the Wayback Machine. (Retrieved January 4, 2009)
  67. ↑ Rhian, Jones (May 8, 2012). "Will Young's Evergreen named best selling single of the 21st century". Music Week. Retrieved April 12, 2013.
    • Gezza7T6 (May 7, 2012). "Top 150 Best Selling singles of the 21st Century, Complete! Full list first post". Music Week. BuzzJack.com. Retrieved April 12, 2013.
  68. ↑ "American single certifications – Eminem – Without Me". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved April 12, 2013. If necessary, click Advanced, then click Format, then select Single, then click SEARCH. 
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