Kill You (Eminem song)

Last updated
"Kill You"
Eminem - Kill You Cover.png
Promotional single by Eminem
from the album The Marshall Mathers LP
Released2001 [1]
Recorded2000 [2]
Genre
Length4:24
Label
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)
Eminem singles chronology
"Bitch Please II"
(2001)		"Kill You"
(2001)		"Rock City"
(2002)

"Kill You" is a song by American rapper Eminem from his third album The Marshall Mathers LP (2000). It was released as a promotional single from the album in 2001, and was featured on the deluxe edition of his 2005 greatest hits album, Curtain Call: The Hits . [3] [4] The song peaked at #2 on the Bubbling Under R&B/Hip-Hop Singles chart. [5]

Contents

Background

"Kill You" discusses the controversy that surrounded Eminem's first album, nightmares of "ladies' screams", and being raised by a single mother. [6] In the song, Eminem also talks of raping his mother, and "notes the irony of magazines trumpeting his mother-raping self on their covers'." [6] The song was written when Eminem heard the track playing in the background while talking to Dr. Dre on the phone and developed an interest in using it for a song. He then wrote the lyrics at home and met up with Dr. Dre and the two recorded the song together. [7] The lyrics were written to show that he was still as "fucked up" as he was on The Slim Shady LP . [8]

The song was listed as "**** You" on the back cover of the censored version of the album. [9]

Controversies

At a United States Senate hearing, Lynne Cheney criticized Eminem and sponsor Seagram for "promot[ing] violence of the most degrading kind against women", labeling him as "a rap singer who advocates murder and rape". [10] She specifically cited lyrics from "Kill You", explaining, "He talks about murdering and raping his mother. He talks about choking women slowly so he can hear their screams for a long time. He talks about using O.J.'s machete on women, and this is a man who is honored by the recording industry". [10]

On October 26, 2000, Eminem was to perform at a concert in Toronto's SkyDome. [11] However, Ontario Attorney General Jim Flaherty argued that Canada should stop Eminem at the border. "I personally don't want anyone coming to Canada who will come here and advocate violence against women", he said. [11] Flaherty claims to have been "disgusted" when reading transcriptions of "Kill You", which includes lines like "Slut, you think I won't choke no whore/till the vocal cords don't work in her throat no more?" [11] Eminem's fans argued that this was a matter of free speech and that he was unfairly singled out. [11] Eminem was later granted entry into Canada. [12]

In 2002, French jazz pianist Jacques Loussier filed a $10 million lawsuit against Eminem and Dr. Dre, claiming the beat for "Kill You" was stolen from his song "Pulsion". [13] He unsuccessfully demanded that all sales of the album be halted and any remaining copies destroyed. The lawsuit was settled out-of -court.

Track listing

Japanese CD single [14]
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
1."Kill You (clean version)"
4:24
2."Kill You (dirty version)"
4:24
3."Sh!t on You (clean version)" (D12 song)
5:27
4."Sh!t on You (dirty version)" (D12 song)
5:27
Total length:19:42
Notes

Certifications

RegionCertification Certified units/sales
United Kingdom (BPI) [15] Silver200,000‡
United States (RIAA) [16] Gold500,000‡

‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Personnel

Credits adapted from the album's liner notes [17] and Tidal [18]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dr. Dre</span> American record producer and rapper (born 1965)

Andre Romell Young, known professionally as Dr. Dre, is an American record producer and rapper. He is the founder and CEO of Aftermath Entertainment and Beats Electronics, and co-founded and was the president of Death Row Records. Young began his career as a member of the World Class Wreckin' Cru in 1985, and later found fame with the gangsta rap group N.W.A. The group popularized explicit lyrics in hip hop to detail the violence of street life. During the early 1990s, Young was credited as a key figure in the crafting and popularization of West Coast G-funk, a subgenre of hip hop characterized by a synthesizer foundation and slow, heavy production.

<i>The Marshall Mathers LP</i> 2000 studio album by Eminem

The Marshall Mathers LP is the third studio album by the American rapper Eminem, released on May 23, 2000, by Aftermath Entertainment and Interscope Records. The album was produced mostly by Dr. Dre and Eminem, along with the 45 King, the Bass Brothers, and Mel-Man. Recorded over a two-month period in several studios around Detroit, the album features more introspective lyricism, including Eminem's thoughts on his rise from rags to riches, the criticism of his music, and his estrangement from his family and wife. A transgressive work, it incorporates horrorcore and hardcore hip hop, while also featuring satirical songs. The album includes samples or appearances by Dido, RBX, Sticky Fingaz, Bizarre, Snoop Dogg, Xzibit, Nate Dogg, and D12.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Real Slim Shady</span> 2000 single by Eminem

"The Real Slim Shady" is a song by American rapper Eminem from his third album The Marshall Mathers LP (2000). It was released as the lead single a month before the album's release.

<i>The Slim Shady LP</i> 1999 studio album by Eminem

The Slim Shady LP is the second studio album by the American rapper Eminem, and his first on a major record label. It was released on February 23, 1999, by Aftermath Entertainment and Interscope Records. Recorded in Ferndale, Michigan following Eminem's recruitment by Dr. Dre and Jimmy Iovine, the album features production from Dr. Dre, the Bass Brothers, and Eminem himself.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Stan (song)</span> 2000 single by Eminem

"Stan" is a song by American rapper Eminem, with vocals sampled from the opening lines of British singer Dido's song "Thank You". It was released in 2000, as the third single from Eminem's third album, The Marshall Mathers LP (2000). "Stan" peaked at number 51 on the Billboard Hot 100. Outside of the United States, "Stan" topped the charts in 12 countries, including the United Kingdom, Germany, Australia, and Ireland.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cleanin' Out My Closet</span> 2002 single by Eminem

"Cleanin' Out My Closet" is a song by American rapper Eminem from his album The Eminem Show (2002). "Cleanin' Out My Closet" was the second single released off the album following "Without Me". Unlike the preceding single which was as his humorous Slim Shady persona, "Cleanin' Out My Closet" was a serious song inspired by the events of Eminem's childhood and relationships. It depicts Eminem venting his anger towards his mother, Debbie Mathers, for the way she raised him. In the chorus, Eminem sarcastically apologizes to his mother for hurting her and making her cry, but takes it back by showing the world what his mother, according to him, was like.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Way I Am (Eminem song)</span> 2000 single by Eminem

"The Way I Am" is a song written, produced, and performed by American rapper Eminem from his third album The Marshall Mathers LP (2000). It was released as the second single from the album on October 3, 2000, later being featured on his 2005 compilation album, Curtain Call: The Hits. In the tradition of most of Eminem's follow-up singles, "The Way I Am" is one of the rare songs for which he has sole songwriting credit. It features a much darker and emotionally driven sound than the album's lead single "The Real Slim Shady". "The Way I Am" peaked at number 58 on the Billboard Hot 100. Outside the United States, "The Way I Am" peaked within the top ten of the charts in Belgium (Wallonia), Finland, Netherlands, Ireland, Sweden, and the United Kingdom.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">My Name Is</span> 1999 single by Eminem

"My Name Is" is a song by American rapper Eminem from his second album The Slim Shady LP (1999). It is also the opening song and lead single of the album. The song samples British singer Labi Siffre's 1975 track "I Got The..." as a bass and guitar riff played by British pop rock duo Chas & Dave. The song was ranked at #26 on "VH1's 100 Greatest Songs of the '90s". "My Name Is" was also ranked #6 on Q Magazine's "1001 Best Songs Ever". "My Name Is" peaked at number 36 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming Eminem's first top 40 hit there. Outside the United States, "My Name Is" peaked within the top ten of the charts in Iceland, New Zealand, Norway, Ireland, and United Kingdom.

"Fack" is a song by American rapper Eminem, released in 2005 on his greatest hits album Curtain Call: The Hits. It was among the four new songs on the album. The song, along with “Intro”, is omitted from the clean version of Curtain Call: The Hits. In 2021, the song went viral on TikTok, due to many feeling shocked upon hearing the lyrics of "Fack".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Eminem</span> American rapper (born 1972)

Marshall Bruce Mathers III, known professionally as Eminem, is an American rapper. He is credited with popularizing hip hop in Middle America and is often regarded as one of the greatest rappers of all time. His global success and acclaimed works are widely regarded as having broken racial barriers for the acceptance of white rappers in popular music. While much of his transgressive work during the late 1990s and early 2000s made him a controversial figure, he came to be a representation of popular angst of the American underclass and has been cited as an influence by and upon many artists working in various genres.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bitch Please II</span> 2000 single by Eminem

"Bitch Please II" is a song by American rapper Eminem, featuring guest vocals from Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Xzibit, and Nate Dogg, and is the fifth and final single from The Marshall Mathers LP.

"Kim" is a song by American rapper Eminem that appears on his 2000 album The Marshall Mathers LP. The song reflects intense anger and hatred toward his then-wife Kim Mathers and features Eminem imitating her voice, and ends with him murdering her and later putting her body in the trunk of his car.

<i>The Marshall Mathers LP 2</i> 2013 studio album by Eminem

The Marshall Mathers LP 2 is the eighth studio album by the American rapper Eminem. It was released on November 5, 2013, by Shady Records, Aftermath Entertainment, and Interscope Records. The album is Eminem's last to have the involvement of independent label WEB Entertainment. It serves as a sequel to his third album The Marshall Mathers LP (2000). The album was recorded from 2012 to 2013 with several different producers, with Dr. Dre and Rick Rubin serving as executive producers. It features guest appearances from Skylar Grey, Rihanna, Nate Ruess, and rapper Kendrick Lamar, among others.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rap God</span> 2013 single by Eminem

"Rap God" is a song by American rapper Eminem. The song premiered via YouTube on October 14, 2013, and was released in the United States on October 15, 2013, as the third single from Eminem's eighth studio album, The Marshall Mathers LP 2 (2013). It contains references to previous conflicts in Eminem's career, as well as to other rappers' conduct.

"Legacy" is a song by American rapper Eminem. It is the sixth track on his eighth studio album The Marshall Mathers LP 2 (2013). The song discusses Eminem's dysfunctional childhood. The song was produced by American record producer Emile Haynie and written by Eminem, Polina Goudieva, David Brook, and Emile Haynie. The song features additional vocals from Russian singer-songwriter Polina. "Legacy" was met with generally positive reviews from music critics upon the album's release. The song has since peaked at number 44 on the US Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs. "Legacy" became one of the official theme songs of WrestleMania XXX.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Headlights (Eminem song)</span> 2014 Eminem song

"Headlights" is a song by American rapper Eminem, featuring American singer Nate Ruess of the band Fun. It was written by Eminem, Emile Haynie, Jeff Bhasker, Luis Riesto, and Ruess, while being produced by the former three. In the song, Eminem apologizes to his mother, Debbie Mathers, for criticizing her in his earlier songs and for showing scorn and resentment towards her in the past. It was released on February 5, 2014, as the album's fifth and the final single. It peaked at number 45 on the Billboard Hot 100.

"Bad Guy" is a song by American rapper Eminem, taken from his eighth album The Marshall Mathers LP 2 (2013). The song connects the second LP to the first Marshall Mathers LP, which was released in 2000. "Bad Guy" is also a sequel to Eminem's hit single "Stan", which appears on the aforementioned album.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Guilty Conscience (song)</span> 1999 single by Eminem

"Guilty Conscience" is a song by written, produced, and performed by American rapper Eminem featuring fellow American rapper Dr. Dre. It was released as the third and final single from the former's The Slim Shady LP (1999). It was also released on his 2005 greatest hits album Curtain Call: The Hits.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Without Me (Eminem song)</span> 2002 single by Eminem

"Without Me" is a song by American rapper Eminem from his fourth studio album The Eminem Show (2002). "Without Me" was released on May 13, 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 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, and number one in fifteen countries.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">From the D 2 the LBC</span> 2022 single by Eminem and Snoop Dogg

"From the D 2 the LBC" is a song by American rappers Eminem and Snoop Dogg. It was released on June 24, 2022, as the second single from Eminem's second greatest hits album, Curtain Call 2 (2022). The song was produced by Eminem and was written by Snoop Dogg, Eminem, and Luis Resto. It marks the first collaboration between the two rappers in over 20 years, having last appeared together on the track "Bitch Please II" from The Marshall Mathers LP (2000).

References

  1. ↑ "Kill You". Rate Your Music. Retrieved 11 November 2022.
  2. ↑ Angry Blonde: The Official Book. HarperCollins. November 21, 2000. ISBN   978-0-06-620922-7.
  3. ↑ "Curtain Call – The Hits". Amazon.com. Retrieved 10 November 2022.
  4. ↑ "'STAN'S MIXTAPE' TO COME WITH EMINEM'S 'CURTAIN CALL'". 24 Hour Hip Hop. Retrieved 10 November 2022.
  5. ↑ "Billboard chart search: Eminem – 'Kill You'". Billboard . Archived from the original (XML) on May 13, 2012. Retrieved December 30, 2011.
  6. 1 2 Hermes, Will (June 2, 2000). "The Marshall Mathers LP". Entertainment Weekly . Retrieved October 1, 2009.
  7. ↑ "Ultimate Albums: The Marshall Mathers LP – Dr. Dre interview". VH1 . Archived from the original on September 1, 2003. Retrieved July 16, 2012.
  8. ↑ London, Amanda (27 May 2022). ""Kill You" by Eminem". Songs Meanings and Facts. Retrieved 10 November 2022.
  9. ↑ Guins, 2008. p. 12
  10. 1 2 Mancini, Robert (September 13, 2000). "Eminem Targeted At Senate Hearing". MTV News. Viacom. Retrieved February 9, 2014.
  11. 1 2 3 4 Mackie, Richard; Marissa Nelson (October 26, 2000). "Ontario wants rap star banned". The Globe and Mail (newspaper). Toronto. pp. A1, A4.
  12. ↑ ABC News. "Eminem vs. Canada". October 26, 2000.
  13. ↑ "Eminem sued by jazz star". BBC News. March 31, 2002. Retrieved December 24, 2008.
  14. ↑ "Eminem – Kill You". Discogs. Retrieved 10 November 2022.
  15. ↑ "British single certifications – Eminem – Kill You". British Phonographic Industry . Retrieved November 10, 2022.
  16. ↑ "American single certifications – Eminem – Kill You". Recording Industry Association of America . Retrieved November 10, 2022.
  17. ↑ The Marshall Mathers LP (booklet). Aftermath, Interscope. 2000.
  18. ↑ "The Marshall Mathers LP". Tidal. 2000.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.