A Spidey Nod in the Lyrics

“Tobey” arrives as a nod to Tobey Maguire, famously known for his portrayal of Spider-Man. The song’s title and lyrics reference Maguire’s Spider-Man, with lines like “Tobey Maguire got bit by a spider. Me? Must’ve got bit by a goat,” cleverly suggesting that Eminem’s greatness as a rapper is akin to the superhero transformation of Peter Parker. The cover art for the single even mimics the famous Spider-Man pointing meme from the 1960s cartoon, featuring Eminem, BabyTron, and Big Sean.

The four-minute track begins with verses from BabyTron and Big Sean, setting the stage before Eminem takes over. BabyTron starts with the line, “Tobey Maguire got bit by a spider, but see, me, it was a goat,” a nod to Eminem’s influence on his career. Big Sean follows, maintaining the Spider-Man theme, and Eminem closes with his signature rapid-fire delivery. The song’s chorus cleverly intertwines these references, showcasing the seamless collaboration between the three artists.

Eminem addresses past criticisms and his ranking on Billboard’s Greatest Rappers of All Time list, where he was placed at number five. Eminem raps, “How rappers I’ve already ripped could be higher up on a list than me,” expressing his disbelief at his placement. He also responds to hip-hop pioneer Melle Mel’s criticism, who claimed Eminem’s high ranking was due to his race. Eminem retorts in the song, “Melle Mel shouldn’t get no reply, that man is a legend. Bitch, so am I,” asserting his own legendary status.

The Spider-Man Connection

This isn’t Eminem’s first foray into the Spider-Man universe. In 2018, he contributed the song “Venom” to the soundtrack of the movie of the same name, which also appeared on his album “Kamikaze.” Eminem has long been a fan of comic books and superheroes, a passion evident in his music. He even met the Marvel anti-hero Frank Castle, known as the Punisher, in a one-off crossover comic book in 2009. His deep-rooted love for comic books often finds its way into his lyrics, creating a unique blend of pop culture references and personal storytelling.

Upcoming Album: The Death of Slim Shady

“The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grâce)” is set to release on July 12, and “Tobey” follows the successful first single “Houdini,” which peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100. The album’s promotion included a mock documentary trailer about the death of Eminem’s alter ego, Slim Shady. A horror-themed trailer released recently features a woman giving birth to a devilish baby, symbolizing the birth of Eminem’s new musical era.

Anticipation for the Music Video

Fans can look forward to a Cole Bennett-directed music video for “Tobey,” set to premiere on July 5. Known for his visually captivating work, Bennett’s direction is expected to bring the song’s Spider-Man theme to life in an innovative way.

Eminem’s Legacy

Eminem’s new single “Tobey” is a testament to his ability to blend cultural references with personal anecdotes, creating music that resonates with fans across generations. His upcoming album promises to deliver more of the intricate wordplay and thematic depth that fans have come to expect from the rapper. With “The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grâce)” on the horizon, Eminem continues to solidify his legacy as one of the greatest rappers of all time.

Stay tuned for the full album release on July 12 and check out “Tobey” now on streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music.