Released: 2020 • Features: Juice WRLD
“Godzilla (feat. Juice WRLD)” by “Eminem” is a powerhouse of a track that serves as a testament to Eminem’s lyrical prowess and unyielding resilience in the rap game. It’s a tour de force of clever wordplay, high-speed lyricism, and references to both contemporary and historical elements of hip-hop culture. As an overview, the song mirrors Eminem’s overarching state of mind, flipping between his inner demons and the constructed “monster” persona that the public and media often paint him as.
The opening verse introduces Eminem’s monstrous persona as he likens himself to Godzilla, a creature known for its destructive capabilities. Em brags about his skills and capabilities while warning others who cross his path. The line “Better hit the deck like the card dealer” points to Em’s confidence in his rap skills, likening them to a stacked deck in a game of cards, where he holds the winning hand. The references to “Shady,” “zombie apocalypse,” and “Bobby ‘The Brain’ Heenan,” a famous wrestling manager, all point to his alter egos and the battling personalities within him.
The chorus sees late rapper Juice Wrld liken Eminem to a monster. Here, the “monster” is possibly a metaphorical representation of Eminem’s enigmatic persona, which fluctuates between a regular man (“I’m normal during the day”) and a beast in the booth (“but at night turn to a monster”).
Continuing onto verse two, Eminem likens himself to a mythological creature and throws back to legends like Slick Rick and Onyx, highlighting his roots in hip hop culture. He brings the listener into his world, detailing his wrestling with mental health amid all these accomplishments and challenges.
Moving to the third verse, Em gets more confrontational, attacking his critics, rivals, and those who doubt his lyrical prowess. He references Kid Ink and Diddy, showing his ability to stay relevant while distinguishing himself from his contemporaries. The name-dropping of ‘Richard Ramirez’, a notorious serial killer, and ‘Christian Rivera’, an accused murderer, pushes the envelope on his gritty, controversial bars, emblematic of his shock-jock reputation in hip-hop.
The song concludes with an impressive, rapid-fire spitting of bars, filled to the brim with intricate wordplay, metaphors, and pop culture references – all carried with undeniable authority. The fluidity, ease, and humorous self-awareness (ending with the line “I’m on the toilet bowl”) underscore Eminem’s unique place in the rap game.
Overall, “Godzilla” demonstrates Eminem’s lyrical mastery and unstoppable confidence, as he continues to navigate the complexities of fame, personal struggles, and the ever-evolving landscape of hip-hop.
