Eminem Reacts to His Rank on Billboard’s Greatest Rappers List on New Song ‘Tobey’

Eminem has never been one to shy away from controversy, and his latest single, “Tobey,” is no exception. Released on Tuesday (July 2), the track is the second single from his upcoming project, The Death of Slim Shady (Coup De Grâce), and sees the Detroit rap legend collaborating with fellow Detroit natives Big Sean and Babytron. The song not only showcases Eminem’s trademark lyrical prowess but also features him addressing his ranking on Billboard’s list of the 50 Greatest Rappers of All Time.

In the verse that has caught everyone’s attention, Eminem raps, “But this to me, is a mystery/ How rappers I’ve already ripped could be higher up on a list than me/ Yet I sit here on your list that went five, wished it was fine, but just know inside/ To me that s–t’s hilarious.” The pointed lyrics suggest a sense of incredulity and humor at being ranked fifth, behind 2Pac, Nas, Kendrick Lamar, and Jay-Z.

Eminem’s reaction isn’t just about his own placement but also touches on the broader conversation about merit and recognition in hip-hop. This discussion was further fueled by Melle Mel’s comments last year, when the hip-hop pioneer suggested that Eminem’s high ranking was largely due to his race. Mel said during an interview with The Art of Dialogue, “Obviously he’s a capable rapper. If you was talking about sales, he’s sold more than everybody. If you were talking about rhyme style, OK he got a rhyme style. But he’s white. He’s white. So now if Eminem was another n-a like all the rest of us, would he be top five on that list when a n-a that could rhyme just as good as him is 35? That had records and all that? He’s 35. He’s white.”

Eminem addresses Mel’s critique head-on in “Tobey,” rapping, “So when I get dissed though and by a pioneer/ Who was one of the reasons why I’m here/ They tell me I should just let that s–t go and slide/ ‘Melle Mel shouldn’t get no reply, that man is a legend’/ B-h, so am I.” These lines reflect a mix of respect for Mel’s contributions to hip-hop and a defense of his own legacy.

The controversy surrounding Billboard’s rankings and Mel’s comments highlights the ongoing debates about race, recognition, and legacy in hip-hop. Eminem’s new single “Tobey” is not just a personal rebuttal but also a contribution to this larger conversation.

As Eminem gears up for the release of The Death of Slim Shady (Coup De Grâce) on July 12, fans and critics alike are eagerly anticipating what other topics and controversies he will tackle. The project’s lead single, “Houdini,” has already made waves, debuting at No. 2 on the Hot 100, marking Eminem’s best-charting hit of the decade.

With “Tobey,” Eminem once again proves why he remains a vital and provocative voice in hip-hop, unafraid to address his critics and reflect on his place in the pantheon of rap legends.