Released: 2010 • Features: Eminem
“That’s All She Wrote” by T.I. and Eminem is a lyrical display of superiority, dismissing detractors and asserting their prominence in the rap game. The song is packed with braggadocio and competitive metaphors, enhancing the rappers’ claims of being at the top of their game with no legitimate competition.
The song starts with T.I. proclaiming that he is unconcerned with what people say about him, as long as they don’t call him broke. This line underscores his financial success, a theme that runs throughout the song. The phrase “Goodnight, it’s over with, that’s all she wrote” is a common saying used when something is concluded or finished – in this case, it represents the rappers’ view that they’ve won the race in the rap game, leaving no room for competition.
T.I.’s first verse is brimming with confidence; he states his dominance (“I’m the Jetsons, you the Flintstones”) and presents his wealth as evidence of his success. The references to the “Jetsons” and the “Flintstones” are clever jabs at other rappers — the former is a futuristic cartoon family, the latter prehistoric — suggesting T.I. is ahead of his time while his rivals are outdated.
Eminem’s verse is a brutal takedown of any woman who might think she can take advantage of him. He uses his unique wordplay and harsh metaphors to express this, with lines like “Cupid shot his arrow and missed; wait, Sarah, you’re late”. This line is particularly interesting, as Eminem likens a woman falling for him to being hit by Cupid’s arrow, but the woman is too late because Eminem isn’t interested in love.
In the final verse, Eminem provides a rapid-fire critique of those who would challenge him, using his incredible speed and command of the language to effectively dismiss any competitors. Lines like “While you strong arm, I’m like Stretch Armstrong” show his superior flexibility and adaptability in the rap game. Stretch Armstrong refers to a classic action figure known for its super stretchy limbs – it’s Eminem’s way of stating he can easily extend and surpass any challenges thrown at him.
By the end of the song, the phrase “That’s All She Wrote” takes on an air of finality. T.I. and Eminem don’t see any real competition on the horizon, they are the kings of their domain — case closed, that’s all she wrote.
