Eminem has released his awaited single ‘Tobey’ today, finally.
The rapper announced the song a few days ago with a trailer and also told fans that a music video directed by Cole Bennett is on the way. While we wait for the video, the track’s audio is now out everywhere, which features fellow Michigan emcees Big Sean and Babytron. Stream it below.
The song is an unconventional arrangement, marked by sounds that are all too familiar in hip hop. The unique arrangement though, lends itself well to a certain kind of musical freedom, that allows space for sonic storytelling. Very audibly, the producers take us on a story, crescendo and everything, rising and falling, to compliment the narrative taken on by Sean and Shady.
The rappers can be heard talking about their respective journeys in the rap game. While Big Sean seems to be going up against the rap climate and taking subs at someone we don’t want to speculate on, Babytron supports the overall narrative of the song albeit in a slightly understated way.
Eminem, however, ups the energy and goes toe to toe with his collaborators, reasserting his status as one of the most legendary emcees of all time. In doing so, Eminem can be heard talking about how he feels about being left out of the conversation and not being impressed by people’s “Top 5”, for his legacy is the reason most of them are even in the conversation.
Last night, Em revealed that his new album The Death of Slim Shady will come out July 12th. The ‘Tobey’ music video will come out Friday, July 5th.
