White America (song)

Last updated

"White America"
Song by Eminem
from the album The Eminem Show
ReleasedMay 26, 2002
Genre
Length5:24
Label
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)
Music video
"White America" on YouTube

"White America" is a political hip hop song by rapper Eminem released in 2002 from his fourth studio album, The Eminem Show . The song was also performed at the MTV Video Music Awards. It is the first full song on the album, and describes Eminem's rise to prominence and allegations from parents and politicians that he had influenced criminal behavior on young White Americans.

Contents

Lyrical content

"White America" is segued into by the opening skit "Curtains Up" on The Eminem Show , which involves Eminem walking up to a microphone to make a speech. It addresses the controversy stemming from Eminem's lyrical content, and impacting White youth, expressed with lines such as: "I speak to suburban kids, who otherwise would've never known these words exist." "Eric" and "Erica" are representations of any White youth. Eminem also expressed his belief that his music is controversial only because it appeals to White kids, with lines such as, "Hip-hop was never a problem in Harlem, only in Boston / after it bothered the fathers of daughters starting to blossom."[ citation needed ]

Eminem also states his belief that his skin color helped with his popularity, and in effect introduced White fans to his producer, Dr. Dre, although earlier in his career it had prevented him from being taken seriously. The song also discusses the freedom of speech of the US Constitution through attacks on the then-Second Lady of the United States Lynne Cheney and her predecessor Tipper Gore, who questioned Eminem's legitimacy to freedom of speech and introduced the Parental Advisory sticker respectively.[ citation needed ]

Music video

"White America" had an animated music video that featured imagery related to the lyrics, including Eminem appearing on a wanted poster and later being lynched while the US Constitution is torn up in the foreground. Although this track is not a single, it has a video clip.

The video begins with a full-screen Parental Advisory logo. The animation then shows an elevator’s doors opening to reveal a cityscape with skyscrapers, a factory, and the American flag. Helicopters and planes fly over the city. On the streets, young people stand in front of an advertising poster that alters Nike's slogan, Just Do It, into Just Buy It. Two police officers are then seen beating a young man on the ground, though the action is obscured by the Parental Advisory logo. Behind the police car, posters of Eminem are visible, along with a young man wearing a T-shirt bearing the rapper’s image. One poster indicates that Marshall Mathers (Eminem's real name) is wanted.

A man reads a newspaper filled with propaganda articles, including an image of Uncle Sam giving the middle finger, censored by the same Parental Advisory logo. The video then shifts to a news report about a school shooting, showing both perpetrators as white. Two characters, Eric and Erica, appear, symbolizing white America. In a supermarket, a figurine of Eminem is displayed. The camera zooms in on its eyes, which transform into dollar signs.

The next scene takes place in a chaotic classroom during a math lesson. Eminem is then shown in a recording studio, but white audiences do not appreciate his work. The rapper later performs in front of a diverse audience, with his logo projected into the sky. A television screen reappears, showing drug dealers, followed by another appearance of Eric and Erica.

A mother is seen protesting in the street while her children watch a TV show featuring Eminem. The rapper continues writing lyrics as a noose tightens around his neck. He is then shown being choked, and a crowd gathers around his corpse, tearing up the U.S. Constitution.

The video transitions to scenes of Eminem's immense popularity among young people, with a crowd rushing to buy his latest album. The setting then shifts to a dystopian America, where military planes fly over a city littered with trash. Former President George W. Bush is depicted giving a speech in front of the White House, which is represented as a pig controlled by strings. He stands before barrels of oil and stacks of money. Meanwhile, two men and a camera operator urinate on the White House lawn.

Airplanes drop television sets, which crash and display distorted news channels. The screens then morph into chattering mouths, possibly symbolizing censorship or media manipulation. Eminem appears to be making a statement about freedom of expression.[ citation needed ]

Other use

Mother Jones magazine has stated that the song is used in American military prisons to disorient and cause sleep deprivation among detainees. A second Eminem song, "Kim", is also used. [3] [4]

"White America" was mashed up with "Fistful of Steel" by American rock band Rage Against the Machine in DJ Vlad & Roc Raida's mixtape, Rock Phenomenon. It was released on the mixtape on March 27, 2006, and, due to much critical praise, was re-released on July 10, 2007.[ citation needed ]

Certifications

RegionCertification Certified units/sales
Australia (ARIA) [5] Platinum70,000‡
New Zealand (RMNZ) [6] Gold15,000‡
United Kingdom (BPI) [7] Silver200,000‡
United States (RIAA) [8] Platinum1,000,000‡

‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bizarre (rapper)</span> American rapper (born 1976)

Rufus Johnson, better known by his stage name Bizarre, formerly Bizarre Kid, is an American rapper and producer, best known for his work with the Detroit-based hip hop group D12.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mosh (song)</span> 2004 promotional single by Eminem

"Mosh" is a protest song by Eminem from his fifth studio album, Encore. The song debuted on Eminem's official mixtape, Shade 45: Sirius Bizness, on October 20, 2004, which has Eminem standing in front of the White House holding an American flag on its cover. Days later, on October 26, one week before the 2004 presidential election, a promotional video created by Guerrilla News Network debuted on the company's website. The video aired on MTV the following day and immediately went to the top of the channel's "hot video" charts. The song, released to encourage voters to vote George W. Bush out of office, did not chart on the Billboard Hot 100 or Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs because it was released only as a promotional video and album track.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Denaun Porter</span> American rapper (born 1978)

Denaun Montez Porter, also known by the stage names Mr. Porter, Kon Artis, or Denaun, is an American rapper and record producer. He was a member of Detroit hip hop group D12.

<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). It was the second single released off the album following "Without Me" on July 29, 2002. 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.

Ramone Johnson, better known by his stage name Cashis, is an American rapper who was born and raised in Chicago, but moved to Irvine, California. He was most notably featured on the Shady Records album Eminem Presents: The Re-Up with Eminem and the record label, and released The County Hound EP in 2007. The County Hound EP sold 6,700 copies in its first week and debuted on the US Billboard 200 at number 106. He's best known for appearing on Eminem's song, "You Don't Know", featuring 50 Cent and Lloyd Banks.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I'm So Hood</span> 2007 single by DJ Khaled featuring T-Pain, Trick Daddy, Rick Ross and Plies

"I'm So Hood" is a song by American musician DJ Khaled featuring American rappers T-Pain, Trick Daddy, Rick Ross, and Plies, released as the second single from the former's second studio album We the Best (2007). "I'm So Hood" is one of Khaled's best-known songs.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Duffle Bag Boy</span> 2007 single by Playaz Circle featuring Lil Wayne

"Duffle Bag Boy" is the debut single by American hip hop duo Playaz Circle featuring Lil Wayne, released as the lead single from the former's debut album, Supply & Demand (2007). The song was produced by M16 and Liam Kantwill. The song peaked at number 15, reaching in the Top 40 of the U.S. Billboard Hot 100.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mrs. Officer</span> 2008 single by Lil Wayne and Bobby V

"Mrs. Officer" is the fourth single from Lil Wayne's album Tha Carter III. Its lyrics explore the tension between criminal suspects and police officers by portraying a relationship between Lil Wayne and a female police officer; it goes so far as to reference the famous N.W.A rap song "Fuck tha Police". The song features Bobby Valentino and Kidd Kidd, and is produced by Deezle. The Music video officially debuted on September 9, 2008 It was ranked the No. 25 Hip-Hop song of 2008 by MTV.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Slaughterhouse (group)</span> American hip hop group

Slaughterhouse were an American hip hop supergroup consisting of rappers Joe Budden, Joell Ortiz, Kxng Crooked, and Royce da 5'9". They released their eponymous debut studio album independently in 2009, and signed to Shady Records, an imprint of Interscope Records to release it's follow up, Welcome to: Our House in 2012. The group disbanded in 2018.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Beamer, Benz, or Bentley</span> 2010 single by Lloyd Banks and Juelz Santana

"Beamer, Benz, or Bentley" is the first official single from Lloyd Banks' third album H.F.M. 2 , which was released on November 23, 2010. The song was released as a digital download on February 9, 2010. It was added to KAMP-FM in Los Angeles in four days from release.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Yelawolf</span> American rapper (born 1979)

Michael Wayne Atha, better known by his stage name Yelawolf, is an American rapper. Born in Gadsden, Alabama, and raised in Antioch, Tennessee, he embarked on his recording career in 2005, releasing four mixtapes to positive local reception. His fourth mixtape, Trunk Muzik (2010), earned him wider recognition and led him to sign a recording contract with Interscope Records. He re-worked the mixtape into his first major label release, Trunk Muzik 0-60 (2010).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jae Millz</span> American rapper

Jarvis Antonio Mills, better known by his stage name Jae Millz, is an American rapper from Harlem, New York. He is best known for his performances on Young Money Entertainment's 2009 singles "BedRock" and "Every Girl," having signed to the label a year prior. His debut album, Nothing Is Promised was scheduled for release in 2013, although it remains unreleased; he departed from the label the following year.

<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">Bankroll Fresh</span> American rapper (1987–2016)

Trentavious Zamon White, better known by his stage name Bankroll Fresh, was an American rapper from Atlanta, Georgia. He is best known for posthumous guest appearance on fellow Atlanta rapper Jeezy's 2016 single "All There," which received platinum certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). Prior, he garnered local attention for his 2015 single "Walked In". Also posthumously, he starred in the independent short film Take Over Your Trap in 2016.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wokeuplikethis</span> 2017 single by Playboi Carti featuring Lil Uzi Vert

"Wokeuplikethis" is a song by American rapper Playboi Carti, featuring fellow American rapper Lil Uzi Vert. Written alongside producer Pi'erre Bourne, it was originally released on March 11, 2017 to SoundCloud before being official released on April 7, 2017, as the second single from Carti's eponymous debut commercial mixtape. The song samples the 2004 single "White Tee".

"Yorktown (The World Turned Upside Down)" is the twentieth song from Act 1 of the musical Hamilton, based on the life of Alexander Hamilton, which premiered on Broadway in 2015. Lin-Manuel Miranda wrote both the music and lyrics to the song. It recounts the story of the Battle of Yorktown.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Joyner Lucas</span> American rapper (born 1988)

Gary Maurice "Joyner" Lucas Jr. is an American rapper, actor and entrepreneur. Lucas first received widespread exposure and critical acclaim after the release of his single "Ross Capicchioni" in 2015. In June 2017, he released his fourth mixtape, 508-507-2209, which was his first on a major label. In November 2017, Lucas released his single "I'm Not Racist", which quickly went viral, gaining him further mainstream attention. The video was nominated for the Grammy Award for Best Music Video at the 61st Grammy Awards. Since 2016, Lucas has also become known for remixing popular hip hop songs like "Gucci Gang" by Lil Pump, "Bank Account" by 21 Savage, "Panda" by Desiigner, "DNA" by Kendrick Lamar and many others. In October 2018, he announced his debut studio album ADHD, which was released in 2020.

<i>Revival</i> (Eminem album) 2017 studio album by Eminem

Revival is the ninth studio album by American rapper Eminem, released on December 15, 2017, through Aftermath Entertainment, Shady Records and Interscope Records. Like his previous album, The Marshall Mathers LP 2, it is executive produced by Dr. Dre and Rick Rubin, and features many pop artists, such as Beyoncé, Ed Sheeran, Alicia Keys, X Ambassadors, Skylar Grey, Kehlani, and Pink, along with fellow American rapper Phresher. The album's production was handled by several returning producers from his previous two albums, including Rick Rubin, Mr. Porter, Emile, Just Blaze, Alex da Kid, Fredwreck, and DJ Khalil.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">YBN (collective)</span> American hip-hop trio

YBN was an American hip-hop collective formed by Nick Simmons, who goes by the stage name YBN Nahmir. YBN was a collective of rappers, record producers, social media personalities and promoters. The collective included members from Alabama, Texas, Gothenburg, California, Maryland, Connecticut, and Narberth, Pennsylvania.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Godzilla (Eminem and Juice Wrld song)</span> 2020 single by Eminem

"Godzilla" is a song by American rapper Eminem featuring fellow American rapper Juice WRLD, released as a single on January 31, 2020, from the former's eleventh studio album Music to Be Murdered By (2020). The song was Juice WRLD's first posthumous release following his death the previous month in December 2019. It topped the charts in Finland, Ireland, and the United Kingdom and reached the top ten in Australia, Austria, Canada, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Hungary, Italy, Lithuania, New Zealand, Norway, Slovakia, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United States.

References

  1. ↑ AllHipHop: Top 20 Political Hip Hop Songs
  2. ↑ "The 10 Best Eminem Songs". Stereogum. December 3, 2013. Retrieved January 24, 2015.
  3. ↑ Sharrock, Justine. "21 songs CIA interrogators used to torture detainees. (For real.)". Mother Jones. Retrieved November 6, 2023.
  4. ↑ Dodson, Sean (February 28, 2008). "The US military's torture top 10". The Guardian. ISSN   0261-3077 . Retrieved November 6, 2023.
  5. ↑ "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2024 Singles" (PDF). Australian Recording Industry Association . Retrieved June 29, 2024.
  6. ↑ "New Zealand single certifications – Eminem – White America". Radioscope. Retrieved December 18, 2024.Type White America in the "Search:" field.
  7. ↑ "British single certifications – Eminem – White America". British Phonographic Industry . Retrieved November 3, 2023.
  8. ↑ "American single certifications – Eminem – White America". Recording Industry Association of America . Retrieved March 8, 2022.
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.