Killshot (song)

Last updated

"Killshot"
Eminem Killshot.jpg
Single by Eminem
ReleasedSeptember 14, 2018
RecordedSeptember 2018
Genre
Length4:14
Label
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s) IllaDaProducer
Eminem singles chronology
"Fall"
(2018)		"Killshot"
(2018)		"Venom"
(2018)

"Killshot" is a diss track written and recorded by American rapper Eminem. It was released on September 14, 2018, through Shady Records, Aftermath Entertainment, and Interscope Records, amidst his feud with American musician Machine Gun Kelly. It serves as Eminem's response to Kelly's diss track "Rap Devil".

Contents

Primarily produced by Illa da Producer, "Killshot" is a grimy hip hop track composed of a minimalist beat with sharp piano keys and a deep bassline. [1] Its lyrics directly target Kelly, mocking his appearance, career, and lyrical abilities while addressing his critiques from "Rap Devil". Eminem also brings up his longevity in the music industry and his influence on younger artists. The track further criticizes Kelly for trying to use their feud to elevate his career.

"Killshot" was met with widespread acclaim from music critics, who praised Eminem's lyrical prowess and delivery. It broke the record for the biggest YouTube debut for a hip hop song, accumulating 38.1 million views within 24 hours. "Killshot" debuted at number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking Eminem's highest-charting single of 2018. It also topped the charts in Ireland and peaked in the top 10 in several other countries, including Canada and New Zealand.

Background and release

In 2012, Machine Gun Kelly posted a tweet about Eminem's daughter, Hailie Mathers (who was then sixteen). The tweet read, "ok so I just saw a picture of Eminem's daughter...and I have to say, she is hot as fuck, in the most respectful way possible cuz Em is king". MGK claimed to apologize to Eminem behind the scenes. After this, in 2015, MGK claimed that Eminem banned him from going to Shade 45, a SiriusXM radio station owned by Eminem. In 2017, MGK was on Power 106 FM and did a freestyle with The LA Leakers. During this, he again claimed Eminem had banned him from Shade 45. MGK also collaborated on a song with Tech N9ne in March 2018, and sent disses towards Eminem. On August 31, 2018, Eminem released a surprise album Kamikaze in which he dissed several artists, including MGK.

On the song "Not Alike" from Kamikaze, Eminem made several disses aimed at MGK. Two days later, MGK responded to "Not Alike" with the song "Rap Devil", releasing a music video for the song as well on September 3, 2018. After MGK's response, Eminem released an interview with Sway Calloway, in which Eminem was asked about the feud. Eminem explained that he did not want to respond initially, because it would just benefit MGK's exposure. On September 14, 2018, Eminem released "Killshot". [2] On September 19, 2018, the song was officially released as a single.

Critical reception

Vulture said "Eminem's Machine Gun Kelly response is the best he's sounded in half a decade". [3]

Commercial performance

"Killshot" debuted at number three on the US Billboard Hot 100 in its first week [4] after gaining over 38.1 million views within the first 24 hours of releasing on YouTube, making it the nineteenth most-viewed video in the first 24 hours, and the most for an audio only release on the YouTube platform. [5] It also held the biggest YouTube debut for a hip hop video ever, surpassing Kanye West's and Lil Pump's "I Love It", beating the record just the week before. [6] This was beaten by 6ix9ine's debut of "Gooba" in 2020. [7] [8]

As of September 2024, "Killshot" has been viewed on YouTube over 484 million times, with over 6.7 million likes. [9]

Response

Machine Gun Kelly responded in a tweet, criticizing Eminem for what he perceived as a slow response. [10] In reality, Eminem likely waited to publish the track so that it was released on the anniversary of Patrick Swayze's death, referencing a line on the track. Rapper Jay Electronica criticized Eminem for a line in the song where he jokingly accused Diddy of having Tupac killed. [11] After this, Electronica had then deactivated his social media profiles. [12] Rapper Iggy Azalea's name was dropped in the song and she let out a series of tweets reacting to and criticizing the lyrics, calling the bars "lazy". [13] Halsey also responded to her name being dropped in reference to her relationship with rapper G-Eazy in a tweet saying, "I'm jus saying my pops had to hear a grown man talk about his daughter getting fucked while that man simultaneously defended his own daughter." She later added, "I'm not proud. I just don't care. They can argue about record sales. My album sold more copies than each of theirs." [14]

Charts

Certifications

RegionCertification Certified units/sales
Australia (ARIA) [39] 2× Platinum140,000‡
Brazil (Pro-Música Brasil) [40] Platinum40,000‡
Denmark (IFPI Danmark) [41] Gold45,000‡
New Zealand (RMNZ) [42] 2× Platinum60,000‡
Portugal (AFP) [43] Platinum10,000‡
United Kingdom (BPI) [44] Platinum600,000‡

‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Release history

CountryDateFormatLabelRef.
VariousSeptember 14, 2018 Streaming (YouTube–Audiomack exclusive) [45]
September 19, 2018 Digital download [46]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Machine Gun Kelly (musician)</span> American musician (born 1990)

Colson Baker, known professionally as Machine Gun Kelly, is an American musician, rapper, singer, songwriter, and actor.

<i>Lace Up</i> 2012 studio album by Machine Gun Kelly

Lace Up is the debut studio album by American rapper Machine Gun Kelly. It was released on October 9, 2012, by Bad Boy Records and Interscope Records. Puff Daddy, who served as the executive producer on the album, enlisted the guest appearances from Cassie, DMX, Planet VI and Avenged Sevenfold; as well as the production that was provided by Alex da Kid, JP Did This 1 and J.R. Rotem, among others. The album was supported by four singles: "Wild Boy" featuring Waka Flocka Flame, "Invincible" featuring Ester Dean, and "Hold On " featuring Young Jeezy, along with a promotional single, "Stereo" featuring Alex Fitts.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Machine Gun Kelly discography</span>

The discography of American musician MGK consists of six studio albums, four extended plays (EPs), eight mixtapes, 32 singles and 75 music video.

<i>General Admission</i> (Machine Gun Kelly album) 2015 studio album by Machine Gun Kelly

General Admission is the second studio album by American rapper Machine Gun Kelly. It was released on October 16, 2015, by his indie record label EST 19XX, distributed by Bad Boy and Interscope Records. The album was supported by two singles: "Till I Die" and "A Little More" featuring Victoria Monet.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">At My Best</span> 2017 single by Machine Gun Kelly featuring Hailee Steinfeld

"At My Best" is a song by American rapper Machine Gun Kelly featuring American singer Hailee Steinfeld. It was released on March 17, 2017 via Bad Boy and Interscope. It is Machine Gun Kelly's second single to enter the Billboard Hot 100 after his 2016 collaboration with Camila Cabello, "Bad Things".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Trippie Redd</span> American rapper (born 1999)

Michael Lamar White IV, known professionally as Trippie Redd, is an American rapper and singer-songwriter. His debut mixtape, A Love Letter to You (2017) was released by Elliot Grainge's 10K Projects and entered the Billboard 200, while its lead single, "Love Scars" received double platinum certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). The following year, he released his debut studio album Life's a Trip (2018) and the mixtape's sequel; their singles, "Dark Knight Dummo", "Taking a Walk", and "Topanga" each entered the Billboard Hot 100. The album and its follow-up, ! (2019) both reached the top five of the Billboard 200, while his fourth mixtape, A Love Letter to You 4 (2019) topped the chart. His third and fourth albums Pegasus (2020) and Trip at Knight (2021), both peaked at number two on the Billboard 200. The latter's lead single, "Miss the Rage", peaked at number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 and remains his highest-charting song. White's fifth album, Mansion Musik (2023), peaked at number three on the Billboard 200, while his sixth mixtape, A Love Letter to You 5 (2024), peaked at number 13.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gummo (song)</span> 2017 single by 6ix9ine

"Gummo" is the debut solo single by American rapper 6ix9ine, released to digitally on September 24, 2017, as the lead single from 6ix9ine's debut mixtape Day69 (2018). The single peaked at number 12 on the US Billboard Hot 100. "Gummo" was certified gold by the RIAA on January 11, 2018, platinum on March 5, and double platinum on December 14 with the song reaching two million copies sold.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Keke (song)</span> 2018 single by 6ix9ine, Fetty Wap and A Boogie wit da Hoodie

"Keke" is a song written and performed by American rappers 6ix9ine, Fetty Wap, and A Boogie wit da Hoodie. The song was released commercially on January 14, 2018, for streaming and digital download by ScumGang Records. "Keke" is produced by WalteezyAFN and is the third single by 6ix9ine from his debut mixtape Day69 (2018).

<i>Day69</i> 2018 mixtape by 6ix9ine

Day69 is the second commercial mixtape by American rapper 6ix9ine. It was released on February 23, 2018, independently by ScumGang Records and TenThousand Projects. The mixtape features guest appearances from Young Thug, Tory Lanez, Fetty Wap, A Boogie wit da Hoodie and Offset.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Plug Walk</span> 2018 single by Rich the Kid

"Plug Walk" is a hip-hop song by American rapper Rich the Kid, released as the second single to his debut album The World Is Yours (2018). The song, produced by The Lab Cook, was premiered through Zane Lowe's Beats 1 radio program on February 9, 2018. The song was Rich the Kid's highest-charting song on the Billboard Hot 100, until the release of "Carnival" in 2024.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fefe (song)</span> 2018 single by 6ix9ine, Nicki Minaj and Murda Beatz

"Fefe" is a single by American rapper 6ix9ine, Trinidadian-born rapper Nicki Minaj, and Canadian record producer Murda Beatz; the latter producing it with Cubeatz. Written alongside Andrew Green, it was released on July 22, 2018, through TenThousand Projects. The song served as the second single from 6ix9ine's debut album, Dummy Boy (2018). Minaj also included the song on streaming versions of her fourth album, Queen (2018).

"Barbie Dreams" is a song recorded by rapper Nicki Minaj for her fourth studio album Queen (2018). It was released on August 14, 2018, to radio stations through Young Money Entertainment and Cash Money Records as the third single from the album. The song was written by Minaj, Rashad "Ringo" Smith, Alexander Roland, the duo Mel & Mus, Christopher Smith, James Brown, and Fred Wesley; while its production was done by Ringo, and Mel & Mus.

<i>Kamikaze</i> (Eminem album) 2018 studio album by Eminem

Kamikaze is the tenth studio album by American rapper Eminem, released on August 31, 2018, by Aftermath Entertainment, Shady Records, and Interscope Records. The album, executive produced by Eminem and Dr. Dre, was released with no prior announcement just eight months after his previous album, Revival, in retaliation to the backlash it received. It features guest appearances from Joyner Lucas, Royce da 5'9", and Jessie Reyez. Production on the album was handled by Eminem, Luis Resto, Boi-1da, Tay Keith, Ronny J, Mike Will Made It, amongst others.

"Not Alike" is a song by American rapper Eminem featuring fellow American rapper Royce da 5'9" from the former's tenth studio album Kamikaze (2018). It has reached the top 40 in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Sweden, and the United States. It was written by the artists alongside producers Tay Keith and Ronny J with more production credits going to Eminem and Cubeatz. It was a diss track on several artists including Machine Gun Kelly.

"Fall" is a song by American rapper Eminem from his 2018 album Kamikaze. It was sent to Italian and UK contemporary hit radio on September 14, 2018, as the album's first single. This song takes shots at American rapper who made Eminem apologize.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rap Devil</span> 2018 diss track by Machine Gun Kelly

"Rap Devil" is a diss track performed by American rapper Machine Gun Kelly. The song is aimed at American rapper Eminem. The song was produced by Ronny J and Nils. It was released on September 3, 2018, by Bad Boy Records and Interscope Records, as a single from the rapper's second extended play Binge. The song's title is a play on Eminem's "Rap God", and is his response to Eminem's song "Not Alike". It peaked at number 13 on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart in the United States. It also peaked at number 1 on the US iTunes Chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gooba</span> 2020 single by 6ix9ine

"Gooba" is a song by American rapper 6ix9ine. It was released on May 8, 2020, 6ix9ine's birthday, as the first single after his prison release on April 2, 2020. It is the lead single from his second studio album, TattleTales, released on September 4, 2020. 6ix9ine recorded the song and filmed its accompanying video while under house arrest. The song sees him rapping about his role in the Nine Trey Gangsters trial, while targeting his detractors.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Trollz (song)</span> 2020 single by 6ix9ine and Nicki Minaj

"Trollz" is a song by American rapper 6ix9ine and Trinidadian rapper Nicki Minaj. It was released as the second single from 6ix9ine's second studio album, TattleTales (2020). It was postponed twice before being released on June 12, 2020, as the follow-up to "Gooba", released four weeks earlier. It was written by the artists, along with its producers Sadpony and Jahnei Clarke, the latter having also produced "Gooba". The song marked the third collaboration between the artists, following 2018's "Fefe" and "Mama". Lyrically, the song takes aim at internet trolls.

"Gnat" is a song by American rapper Eminem from the deluxe edition of his eleventh studio album Music to Be Murdered By. It was released on December 18, 2020 along with the rest of Music to Be Murdered By: Side B and Cole Bennett-directed music video. It was written by Eminem and producer D.A. Got That Dope, alongside Anders Olofsson, Christopher S Torpey, Ezemdi Chikwendu, D. Levin, and K. Mars.

Daniel Nwosu Jr., professionally known by his stage name Dax, is a Nigerian-Canadian rapper and singer-songwriter.

References

  1. ↑ Genius (September 14, 2018). Eminem's "KILLSHOT" Explained – Song Stories . Retrieved September 18, 2018– via YouTube.
  2. ↑ Lamarre, Carl (September 14, 2018). "Eminem Fires Back at Machine Gun Kelly With Blistering Diss Record 'Killshot'". Billboard . Retrieved September 15, 2018.
  3. ↑ Lockett, Dee (September 14, 2018). "Eminem's Machine Gun Kelly Response Is the Best He's Sounded in Half a Decade". Vulture.
  4. ↑ Trust, Gary (September 24, 2018). "Maroon 5 & Cardi B's 'Girls Like You' Hits No. 1 on Hot 100, Eminem & 5 Seconds of Summer New to Top 10". Billboard. Retrieved September 25, 2018.
  5. ↑ Lynch, John (September 18, 2018). "Eminem's new diss track had the biggest debut of a hip-hop song in YouTube's history". Business Insider. Retrieved September 18, 2018.
  6. ↑ Pedrosa, Marina (September 18, 2018). "Eminem's 'Killshot' Has the Biggest YouTube Debut for a Hip-Hop Video Ever". Business Insider. Retrieved September 19, 2018.
  7. ↑ "Tekashi 6ix9ine Breaks Records On YouTube And Instagram In Comeback". May 11, 2020. Retrieved May 11, 2020.
  8. ↑ "Tekashi 6ix9ine's 'GOOBA' breaks YouTube record for biggest 24-hour debut in hip-hop". NME . May 10, 2020. Retrieved May 15, 2020.
  9. ↑ "KILLSHOT [Official Audio]". Eminem . YouTube. Archived from the original on April 2, 2022. Retrieved May 28, 2022.
  10. ↑ C. Vernon Coleman II (September 15, 2018). "Machine Gun Kelly Calls Eminem's "Killshot" Diss Trash – XXL". XXL. Retrieved September 16, 2018.
  11. ↑ Mojica, Nick (September 14, 2018). "Jay Electronica Slams Eminem for Accusing Diddy of Killing Tupac – XXL". XXL Mag. Retrieved September 16, 2018.
  12. ↑ Price, Joe (September 17, 2018). "Jay Electronica Deactivates Social Media Profiles After Issuing Warning to Eminem". Complex. Retrieved September 18, 2018.
  13. ↑ Zidel, Alex (September 14, 2018). "Iggy Azalea Reacts To Being Name-Dropped On Eminem's 'KILLSHOT'". HotNewHipHop.
  14. ↑ "Did Halsey Respond to Her Name-Drop in Eminem & Machine Gun Kelly's Feud?".
  15. ↑ "Eminem – Killshot". ARIA Top 50 Singles. Retrieved September 29, 2018.
  16. ↑ "Eminem – Killshot" (in German). Ö3 Austria Top 40. Retrieved October 4, 2018.
  17. ↑ "Eminem – Killshot" (in Dutch). Ultratip. Retrieved October 13, 2018.
  18. ↑ "Eminem Chart History (Canadian Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved September 25, 2018.
  19. ↑ "ČNS IFPI" (in Czech). Hitparáda – Digital Top 100 Oficiální. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: Select 39. týden 2018 in the date selector. Retrieved October 2, 2018.
  20. ↑ "Eminem – Killshot". Tracklisten. Retrieved October 3, 2018.
  21. ↑ "Eminem – Killshot" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts. Retrieved September 28, 2018.
  22. ↑ "Official IFPI Charts – Digital Singles Chart (International) – Week: 38/2018". IFPI Greece. Archived from the original on October 1, 2018. Retrieved October 1, 2018.
  23. ↑ "Archívum – Slágerlisták – MAHASZ" (in Hungarian). Single (track) Top 40 lista. Magyar Hanglemezkiadók Szövetsége. Retrieved September 28, 2018.
  24. ↑ "Archívum – Slágerlisták – MAHASZ" (in Hungarian). Stream Top 40 slágerlista. Magyar Hanglemezkiadók Szövetsége. Retrieved October 5, 2018.
  25. ↑ "Irish-charts.com – Discography Eminem". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved September 29, 2018.
  26. ↑ "2018 39-os SAVAITĖS (rugsėjo 21 – 27 d.) SINGLŲ TOP100" (in Lithuanian). AGATA. September 28, 2018. Archived from the original on October 9, 2019. Retrieved June 3, 2021.
  27. ↑ "Eminem – Killshot" (in Dutch). Single Top 100. Retrieved September 29, 2018.
  28. ↑ "Eminem – Killshot". Top 40 Singles. Retrieved September 28, 2018.
  29. ↑ "Eminem – Killshot". VG-lista. Retrieved September 29, 2018.
  30. ↑ "Eminem – Killshot". AFP Top 100 Singles. Retrieved October 6, 2018.
  31. ↑ "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved September 29, 2018.
  32. ↑ "ČNS IFPI" (in Slovak). Hitparáda – Singles Digital Top 100 Oficiálna. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: Select 39. týden 2018 in the date selector. Retrieved October 2, 2018.
  33. ↑ "Eminem – Killshot". Singles Top 100. Retrieved September 28, 2018.
  34. ↑ "Eminem – Killshot". Swiss Singles Chart. Retrieved October 1, 2018.
  35. ↑ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved September 29, 2018.
  36. ↑ "Eminem Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved September 30, 2022.
  37. ↑ "Eminem Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved September 25, 2018.
  38. ↑ "Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs – Year-End 2018". Billboard. Retrieved December 31, 2018.
  39. ↑ "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2024 Singles" (PDF). Australian Recording Industry Association . Retrieved June 29, 2024.
  40. ↑ "Brazilian single certifications – Eminem – Killshot" (in Portuguese). Pro-Música Brasil . Retrieved August 16, 2024.
  41. ↑ "Danish single certifications – Eminem – Killshot". IFPI Danmark . Retrieved July 31, 2024.
  42. ↑ "New Zealand single certifications – Eminem – Killshot". Radioscope. Retrieved December 18, 2024.Type Killshot in the "Search:" field.
  43. ↑ "Portuguese single certifications – Eminem – Killshot" (PDF) (in Portuguese). Associação Fonográfica Portuguesa . Retrieved May 23, 2022.
  44. ↑ "British single certifications – Eminem – Killshot". British Phonographic Industry . Retrieved August 26, 2022.
  45. ↑ "Audiomack | Free Music Sharing and Discovery". audiomack.com.
  46. ↑ "Killshot". Spotify . September 19, 2018.
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.