Released: 2018
Aight, so let’s get into the backstory before we dissect these bars. “Killshot” by Eminem is a direct response to Machine Gun Kelly’s “Rap Devil,” which itself was a clapback at Em’s jabs on “Not Alike.” Now, “Rap Devil” took shots at Em’s age, his beard, and claimed he’s fallen off. Homie even went personal, bringing up Em’s daughter Hailie. So, then comes “Killshot” — Em’s surgical slice back at MGK, the title alone referencing the fatal hit in a battle that leaves no coming back.
Kicking things right off, Em flips MGK’s own track title—”Rap Devil” becomes “Killshot,” instantly suggesting that while MGK played devilish, Em is gunning for the kill. Off the bat, Shady mocks Kelly, echoing MGK’s taunts about his weird beard, and flips it with a simple question: why you yellin’ at the mic? Eminem’s tone? Straight sarcasm with an undercurrent of “Is that all you got?”
Then Em gets personal, referencing a claimed interaction with pop icon Rihanna, directly countering MGK’s claim that Eminem is too scared to holla at her. The contrast here? Em is cool, collected, and connected, while Kelly is portrayed as try-hard and insignificant. The complexities of complimenting and insulting at the same time ain’t lost here—it’s Eminem’s way of saying, “You hit me with weak shots, but still acknowledge my legendary status.”
Touching on nostalgia with “Stan,” Eminem flips MGK’s fanboy status into an insult. The reference to the Starter cap autograph? That’s Em reminding everyone of his veteran statesmanship in the game. And those bars about naming yourself after a weapon, but rocking a man-bun? Straight belittling MGK’s image—as if saying, “You trying to be hard, but your image is soft.”
Getting to the middle verses, Em’s flexing his sales, his impact on the culture, and his lyrical prowess, while simultaneously dissing MGK’s status as minor league. He makes comparisons to their ages and successes that hold weight, like he’s schooling the younger rapper. Em then turns the tables on MGK’s insult about eating cereal; Shady takes a crap on his opponent’s bars, as if they’re as inconsequential as breakfast food.
Eminem doesn’t hold back, directly challenging MGK’s street credibility, mocking his “tough” talk, and addressing things like his video shoots and supposed gangster behavior. Then he goes for the knockout, positioning himself as the “goat” while stating MGK will never stand among the ranks of rap legends like Biggie and Jay-Z. The reference to Ja Rule and Benzino? That’s Eminem reminding Kelly of his track record with ending careers.
As we reach the lethal end, Em unloads his final magazine of bars, putting himself as the seasoned marksman against MGK’s facade. He calls out the superficiality of MGK’s image and narrative, stating that despite how personal “Rap Devil” got, it was nothing but fuel for Eminem’s own creative fire. Homie ain’t sparing Joe Budden or Diddy either, throwing jabs that resonate with those who peeped the subs on “Not Alike” from his album ‘Kamikaze’.
Finally, Shady returns to the craft itself, addressing the use of Auto-Tune and mumble rap, essentially arguing that skill and substance trump trendy, shallow artistry. He draws a clear line between himself and MGK, punctuating the diss with an ultimate sign of disrespect: just leave my legacy alone, focus on your own, and stay away from my family. Eminem closes with a jab at Diddy that’s equally playful and cautionary, acknowledging the mogul while asserting his own dominance.
Bottom line, “Killshot” ain’t just a diss track, it’s Eminem’s reminder that his pen game, his legacy, and his status in hip-hop are not to be tested lightly. Say what you will about Em, but when it comes to battle rap, the man takes no prisoners and leaves scorched earth in his wake.
